The family and longtime partner of a woman who died after falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan are suing Con Edison, accusing the utility company of being “grossly negligent.”
A lawsuit filed Thursday claims Con Edison failed to secure a manhole cover that the company said was eventually dislodged by a truck.
Police said 56-year-old Donike Gocaj parked her car next to the manhole near the corner of East 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue this past May, stepped out of her vehicle and fell inside.
The lawsuit says her partner tried to climb into the manhole to save her, but was unable to. According to the suit, he is now bedridden due to his injuries.
The city medical examiner’s office said Gocaj died from scald burns and injuries to her body.
In a statement Friday, Con Edison said it could not comment on pending litigation.
“We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” the company said. “Con Edison will review the complaint and respond through the appropriate legal process.”