Woman dies after falling into uncovered Manhattan manhole while exiting SUV

NEW YORK (TNND) — A 56-year-old woman died after falling 10 feet into an uncovered manhole in New York City on Monday night while getting out of her vehicle.

Donike Gocaj of Briarcliff Manor, New York, had parked her Mercedes-Benz SUV at the corner of 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan just before 11:20 p.m., sources confirmed to ABC News.

When officers arrived, they found Gocaj unconscious and unresponsive. She was taken by ambulance to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities have not said why the manhole was uncovered, but utility company Con Edison said it is “actively investigating” the incident. Sources said the manhole cover was found about 15 feet away.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has died after falling into an open manhole. We are actively investigating how this occurred. Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, and safety remains our top priority,” Con Edison said in a statement.

The city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.