Donike Goncaj, 56, tragically lost her life on the morning of Monday, May 18. This grandmother accidentally fell several feet into a manhole with no cover. The grisly, lethal mishap occurred when Goncaj, of Briarcliff Manor, New York, got out of her Mercedes-Benz SUV. It was parked at West 52nd and Fifth Avenue in New York City, per ABC7 Eyewitness News. When Goncaj unsuspectingly alighted from her vehicle, she instantly fell right into the manhole. She tumbled down some 10 feet. Sadly, Goncaj was declared dead at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
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Goncaj's Cause of Death Is Now Known
Per the New York Post, "She suffered burns that included inhalational thermal injuries, along with blunt force trauma to her torso — all of which caused her death, the examiner found."
Some additional insight into Donike Goncaj's fatal injuries was given by Barbara Butcher. She formerly worked at the city medical examiners office as its chief of staff. Per the outlet, Butcher mentioned the following. "Perhaps the most damaging injury was the inhalation of steam, which would have damaged the alveoli, the tissue in the lungs, which transports oxygen to the bloodstream. When they swell, they can no longer bring in oxygen. The steam would have caused her to have scald burns on her skin, but the real cause of injury would be the inhalation."
Someone Allegedly Witnessed the Entire Incident
A man named Carlton Wood claimed to have seen the terrifying incident. According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, Wood said this. "I saw a woman stepping out of her car, and as soon as she stepped out, it's like she took one step forward and just disappeared."
First responders reportedly reached the scene quickly. Nevertheless, it required 20 minutes to extricate Donike Goncaj from the manhole. Furthermore, Wood added, "She was screaming, 'I'm dying,' that's what I kept hearing her screaming over and over. She wasn't distracted, she didn't walk onto a construction site, I mean, she parked her car, stepped out of her car and dropped right into the manhole."
Con Edison Offered a Possible Explanation
Many wondered how such a bizarre tragedy could have happened. Utility company Con Edison suggested a reason.
In a statement via ABC7 Eyewitnes News, a spokesperson explained in part, "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...Our thoughts remain with her family, and safety remains our top priority."
