The family of a New York woman who died after falling into a scalding, uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against utility company Con Edison. The lawsuit alleges the company failed to properly secure and maintain the manhole, creating a dangerous condition that led to the fatal incident.
Donike Gocaj, 56, died after falling approximately 10 feet into a steam-filled utility manhole on May 18. According to the complaint, she suffered severe scald burns, inhalation injuries, and blunt force trauma. Her longtime partner, Jashar Kameraj, was also injured while attempting to rescue her.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed
The lawsuit claims Con Edison failed to ensure the manhole remained safely covered and did not provide barriers, warning signs, or other protective measures. Attorneys for the family argue the utility company had a duty to inspect and maintain its infrastructure to prevent covers from becoming displaced and creating hazardous conditions.
The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, alleging the company’s negligence directly contributed to Gocaj’s death and the injuries suffered by Kameraj during his rescue attempt.
Con Edison Responds
Con Edison has expressed condolences to Gocaj’s family but has declined to comment in detail because the matter is now the subject of litigation. The utility company previously stated that a heavy truck appeared to have dislodged the manhole cover approximately 12 minutes before the accident, describing such events as rare but possible under certain conditions.
The lawsuit disputes that explanation, arguing the company should have implemented safeguards to prevent covers from being displaced by vehicle traffic.
Calls for Improved Safety
The case has renewed attention on public infrastructure safety in New York City. Attorneys representing the family contend that stronger locking mechanisms, improved inspections, and monitoring systems could help prevent similar tragedies in the future. They also point to concerns about recurring manhole-related hazards throughout the city.
As the legal proceedings move forward, investigators and the courts will examine whether Con Edison met its responsibility to maintain the manhole safely. The outcome of the lawsuit could influence future safety standards and infrastructure maintenance practices, while Gocaj’s family hopes the case will help prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
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