Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Privacy-First Edition
Back to NNN
Technology

Woman dies after plunging into uncovered manhole outside luxury stores

Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 19 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

A woman died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan late Monday night, police told Fox News Digital.

The 56-year-old woman was found unconscious and unresponsive inside an uncovered manhole in front of 653 Fifth Ave., near East 52nd Street, around 11:19 p.m., the NYPD told Fox News Digital Tuesday.

Police responded to a 911 call for an aided person and arrived to find the woman inside the manhole within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct. The area is part of one of Manhattan’s busiest shopping and tourist corridors, lined with luxury retailers, office towers and hotels.

EMS transported the woman to New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, police said. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

MISSING GRANDMA BELIEVED TO HAVE FALLEN IN SINKHOLE WHILE SEARCHING FOR LOST CAT: 'NEVER CAME BACK'

Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan is seen near the location where a 56-year-old woman died after falling into an uncovered manhole late Monday night. (Getty Images)

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending proper family notification.

Authorities have not said why the manhole was uncovered or whether any work was being done in the area at the time of the incident.

New York City-based energy company, Con Edison, said it is also investigating the woman’s death.

NYC SEWAGE BOAT EXPLOSION IN HUDSON RIVER KILLS 1 CITY WORKER, INJURES 2 OTHERS

"We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has died after falling into an open manhole," a company spokesperson told ABC 7. "We are actively investigating how this occurred."

"Our thoughts are with the individual's family, and safety remains our top priority," the statement added.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing, according to the NYPD.

CBS News reported that the woman’s family arrived at the scene Tuesday morning seeking answers about how the incident happened. The outlet reported family members were seen embracing and consoling one another.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The woman’s daughter-in-law was "visibly shaking" as she spoke with CBS News and claimed there were no warning signs or covers over the manhole as the family continued trying to process the incident.

The area around the manhole remained partially cordoned off Tuesday morning as investigators continued examining the scene.

Brittany Miller is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital. Tips can be sent to brittany.miller@fox.com and @BrittMillerFox on X.

The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.

By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

Read original at Fox News

The Perspectives

0 verified voices · Three viewpoints · Real discourse

Left
0
Be the first to share a left perspective
Center
0
Be the first to share a center perspective
Right
0
Be the first to share a right perspective

Related Stories