Construction worker rescued after falling 30 feet into Manhattan manhole.
On November 20, 2025, a construction worker fell approximately 30 feet into an open manhole in upper Manhattan, prompting a swift and coordinated rescue effort by the New York Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit (ESU) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). The incident occurred around 8:45 AM at the Bard-Haven Towers on Haven Avenue near West 170th Street in Washington Heights.
According to footage released by the NYPD, the worker, a 35-year-old man, was engaged in construction activities when the unfortunate incident occurred. The video illustrates the immediate response by ESU officers, who rapidly secured the site and prepared for a rescue operation. Notably, the rungs along the sides of the underground tunnel had deteriorated, complicating the descent and extraction efforts.
To facilitate the rescue, ESU personnel deployed a temporary tripod system along with a winch to lower one of their officers into the manhole. This tactical approach enabled them to locate the injured worker safely. Following the initial assessment of the situation, ESU officers worked in conjunction with FDNY personnel, who were also lowered into the hole to assist.
Once the construction worker was located, a backboard was strategically lowered into the manhole. The teams collaborated effectively to hoist the injured worker back to the surface, where he was met by city emergency medical technicians and paramedics awaiting to provide immediate care.
Subsequently, the injured man was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center for treatment. Remarkably, he was treated and later released, illustrating the effectiveness of the emergency response that unfolded that morning.
The NYPD took to social media platform X to share the incident, emphasizing the expertise of their Emergency Service Unit. The post encapsulated the essence of the rescue effort: a coordinated response to an unexpected emergency, showcasing the commitment of first responders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in peril.
As urban environments continue to present unique challenges, incidents like this highlight the importance of readiness and cooperation among emergency services in New York City, ensuring that they can effectively manage critical situations and safeguard the lives of residents and workers alike.
