Key facts
- Police are investigating groups of people entering and emerging from sewer manholes in Brooklyn and Queens.
- Surveillance video captured multiple incidents in Brooklyn, including one in Williamsburg with approximately seven people.
- Another group of about seven people was seen emerging from a sewer in Gravesend, Brooklyn, after being underground for three hours.
- In Queens, three individuals in protective gear were filmed opening a manhole and descending into the sewer.
- The city's Department of Environmental Protection inspected the Brooklyn sewer locations and found no damage.
New York City authorities are investigating multiple unusual incidents involving groups of people entering and emerging from sewer manholes in Brooklyn and Queens. Surveillance footage captured a group of approximately seven individuals in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, exiting a manhole in an intersection, some carrying tools and wearing headlamps. Another group of about seven people was observed emerging from a sewer in Gravesend, Brooklyn, changing into fresh clothes after being underground for three hours. In Queens, three people dressed in waterproof gear were filmed prying open a manhole cover and descending into the sewer. The owner of a shop whose cameras recorded the Queens incident expressed concern about their activities. The city's Department of Environmental Protection inspected the Brooklyn sewer locations and confirmed no damage to the infrastructure, while the Queens incident remains under investigation. Officials stressed the extreme dangers of entering sewers, citing hazards like toxic gases, unstable surfaces, and flooding. A recent fatality in Manhattan involving an open manhole was also noted. Police stated they do not believe there is a public safety threat, and no injuries or arrests have been reported.