Woman who fell into uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan died of intense heat and trauma
Published in News & Features
NEW YORK — Donike Gocaj, the 56-year-old woman who was killed falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan, died as a result of the intense heat inside the manhole beneath the streets and trauma from the fall, according to the city’s medical examiner.
An autopsy revealed Gocaj’s cause of death as a combination of scald burns with inhalational thermal injury and blunt force trauma of the torso, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner said Wednesday.
The Briarcliff Manor resident had just parked her Mercedes-Benz SUV on E. 52nd St. near the corner of Fifth Ave. before stepping out of her vehicle around 11:20 p.m. and into the open manhole a moment later, cops said.
Con Edison said in a statement that it was still investigating, but that it appears a heavy truck rolling over the manhole cover may have dislodged it.
Carlton Wood, 36, was on his way to work when he saw Gocaj fall.
“It was like she disappeared,” said Wood. “I saw her get out of her car, I seen her take a step forward, and then I didn’t see her anymore.”
Wood said he could hear Gocaj crying out from within the hole as passersby tried to save her.
“I’m dying,” she said.
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