Home / Disasters and Accidents / Sidewalk Surprise: Woman Plunges Into Open Manhole
Sidewalk Surprise: Woman Plunges Into Open Manhole
8 Jul
Summary
- A woman fell into an open manhole on a St. Louis sidewalk.
- She sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was rescued.
- Property owners are responsible for meter pit manholes.
On the evening of Saturday, July 4th, a woman named Jamie Hassan experienced a traumatic incident in St. Louis when she fell into an open, coverless manhole located on a sidewalk near Montgomery Street and North Grand Boulevard. Hassan reported that there were no functioning streetlights at the time, contributing to the hazardous condition.
Following her fall, a Good Samaritan assisted Hassan out of the manhole. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries, including a cut elbow and swollen ankles. She expressed hope that the issue would be addressed due to its dangerous nature.
The City of St. Louis' water division spokesperson informed KMOV that property owners are responsible for meter pit manholes, even when situated on city sidewalks. The St. Louis Streets Department confirmed the incident was under investigation and denied reports of non-operating streetlights in the area.
This event follows a similar fatal incident in New York City in May, where a grandmother died after falling into an open manhole. Her death was attributed to scald burns and blunt force trauma.
