(NewsNation) — The family of a 56-year-old woman is suing energy company Con Edison after she died from severe burns and a chest injury sustained when she fell into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan.
Donike Gocaj fell into the 10-foot-deep manhole on May 18 as she stepped out of her car. According to the lawsuit filed by her family, the hole was uncovered and unguarded, with no cones, lights or warning signs in the area.
The suit alleges Gocaj suffered “unfathomable and extensive conscious pain” after being scalded by hot steam, which she also inhaled, according to the city’s medical examiner.
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Con Edison says security footage shows a large truck drove over the manhole cover and dislodged it about 12 minutes before Gocaj arrived and parked nearby.
The family’s attorney alleges Con Edison acted with “reckless, wanton and willful conduct” and a “conscious disregard” for public safety.
Con Edison has not addressed the allegations directly, saying it cannot comment on pending litigation. The company offered condolences to Gocaj’s family in a statement.
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