Woman dies after falling into uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan

A 56-year-old woman died after stepping out of her car into an uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan on Monday night, authorities said.

The woman, identified as Donike Gocaj of Briarcliff Manor, New York, parked her Mercedes-Benz SUV at West 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue just before 11:20 p.m. She stepped out of the vehicle and directly into the open manhole, falling approximately 10 feet, sources said.

Gocaj was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. According to one account, steam from the manhole caused her to go into cardiac arrest.

No construction was ongoing at the location, and the manhole cover was discovered about 15 feet away from the opening, sources said. Con Edison, the utility company responsible for the area, said it was investigating why the manhole was left uncovered.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has died after falling into an open manhole," Con Edison said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the individual's family, and safety remains our top priority."

Family members identified Gocaj on Tuesday and said they were deeply saddened and extremely shocked by her death. Relatives told local news outlets that Gocaj was a loving mother to a son and daughter and a loving grandmother to two grandchildren. Her family said they are seeking answers about how the accident occurred.