Con Edison says it is investigating after a yellow SUV taxicab got caught dangling above a manhole in Times Square on Dec. 4. Video showed the cab stuck over a manhole with steam coming out, at West 42nd Street and Broadway around 7:00pm. The cab driver and a passenger weren’t hurt, officials said.
The metallic access points are used by employees of the energy company to service equipment integral to the city’s infrastructure.
What you should do if you are injured in a manhole accident, according to the law firm Morgan & Morgan:
- First, seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the accident: Create an official record by notifying local authorities or property management of the accident.
- Document the scene: Take photos/videos of the open or defective manhole – along with images and videos of missing barricades, puddles, construction markings, or the surrounding area. These can be critical evidence.
- Get witness information: Anyone who saw the accident or what led up to it may be able to help your case.
- Contact a lawyer ASAP: You need to act quickly with manhole cases to preserve evidence before conditions change or repairs are made.
Sources: NBC New York, Motor 1
