Donike Goncaj family files wrongful death lawsuit against Con Edison after she died falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan.

The family of Donike Goncaj filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Con Edison, alleging the utility company was negligent after Goncaj died following a fall into an open manhole. The 56-year-old woman fell approximately 10 feet into the steam-filled opening at 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue on May 18. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Goncaj died from scald burns, thermal inhalation, and blunt-force trauma. The lawsuit, filed by Goncaj's son and domestic partner, Jashar Kameraj, claims the utility failed to maintain the manhole in safe conditions. While Con Edison noted that a truck dislodged the cover shortly before Goncaj parked her car, the family argues the company should have provided warnings, barriers, or signage. The complaint describes Goncaj’s experience as "unfathomable" pain, noting she was conscious and screaming as she fell. Con Edison expressed condolences to the family but declined to comment on specific legal allegations while the litigation is pending. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages to compensate for the loss and the anguish of witnessing the accident.

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