A tragic accident in Midtown Manhattan, New York, led to the death of one person. The incident took place around 11:20 p.m. on May 18, 2026, at the intersection of West 52nd and Fifth Avenue.
The fatality occurred when a multi-axle truck dislodged the cover of a manhole. Tragically, the victim, identified as Donike Gocaj, 56, fell approximately ten feet into the uncovered manhole. Witnesses reported seeing her step out of her car and disappear into the open manhole. First responders got to the scene within minutes.
Gocaj was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“Following this tragic incident, we are continuing to investigate how this occurred,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “We have reviewed video footage from the area, which suggests that the cover was dislodged after a multi-axle truck turning onto 52nd Street from 5th Avenue drove over it. Approximately 12 minutes later, the person involved in the incident parked her car nearby. We are reviewing the details, and while this is a rare occurrence, manhole covers can get displaced by heavy vehicles. Our thoughts remain with her family, and safety remains our top priority.”
A spokesperson for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement that city officials are working with Con Ed to conduct an investigation, according to NBC News.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Midtown Manhattan incident?
A multi-axle truck dislodged a manhole cover, causing one fatality. The incident is under investigation.
Where did the incident in Midtown happen?
The accident occurred at West 52nd and Fifth Avenue, Manhattan.
Who were the victims in the Manhattan manhole accident?
Gocaj was the victim who fell into the manhole, resulting in cardiac arrest.
Incident Details
- Location: Manhattan, New York — West 52nd and Fifth Avenue
- Date: May 18, 2026 at 11:20 PM
- Type: News Report
- Injuries: 0 | Fatalities: 1

