- News
- World
- Americas
The worker was taken to the hospital in stable condition, the NYPD said
Isabel Keanein New York Friday 28 November 2025 22:35 GMTComments
CloseConstruction worker saved after falling 30ft into a New York manhole
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Email*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
Dramatic footage captured the moment a construction worker who fell 30 feet down a New York City manhole was rescued by first responders.
A 35-year-old construction worker fell into an open manhole near West 170th Street in Washington Heights around 8:45 a.m. on November 20, a NYPD spokesperson told The Independent on Friday.
Bodycam footage shared by the NYPD shows Emergency Service Unit officers securing the scene before lowering at least one officer and a New York City firefighter down the manhole.
As the officer was getting ready to be lowered, someone in the video notes that the rungs on the side to help him step down had rotted away, making it more difficult to maneuver.
Video shows the first responders wearing reflective vests instructing each other on how to get the equipment down the manhole to help the worker, who had fallen 30 feet below.
open image in galleryFirst responders rescued a construction worker who fell 30 feet into a manhole in New York City (@NYPDNews / X)
open image in galleryDramatic footage showed the first responders sending an officer down to check on the man after he fell below the ground (@NYPDNews / X)“You’re alright. He’s alright,” an officer can be heard saying as the group pulls the injured construction worker, who is lying on a backboard, up to safety.
EMS rushed the man to New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in stable condition, the NYPD spokesperson said.
According to the New York Daily News, the worker who fell was treated at the hospital and released.
open image in galleryThe first responders strapped the construction worker to a backboard before pulling him up to safety (@NYPDNews/X)
open image in galleryThe worker was taken to the hospital in stable condition, the NYPD said (@NYPDNews / X)“One unexpected drop. One expert rescue,” the NYPD News account wrote on X, sharing footage of the daring rescue.
“When a construction worker fell through a manhole cover, @NYPDSpecialops ESU secured the scene, worked with @FDNY to safely reach him, and get them medical care.”
More about
footageRescueNew York CityworkerNYPDFirefighterhospitalbodycamJoin our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
