Archive · 24 Aug 2026
NYPD Investigates Viral Videos of People Emerging From Manhattan Manholes
A video showed three people climbing out of Manhattan manholes early in the morning.
They were wearing headlamps.
The video was filmed near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.
Police are investigating what happened.
No one has been arrested.
Officials said the sewer system was not damaged.
They warned that going into sewers is illegal and very dangerous.
Sewers can contain poisonous gases, flooding, unstable ground, and tight spaces.
The reason the people entered the manholes is not yet known.
A TikTok video showed three people emerging from manholes near 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 4 a.m. near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.
The New York Police Department said there were no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.
New York City’s Environmental Protection Department found no damage to the sewer infrastructure in the area.
Officials warned that entering sewers is illegal and exposes people to gases, flooding, unstable surfaces, and confined spaces.
- Who
- Three people were shown emerging from manholes; the New York Police Department is investigating.
- What
- A video showed the people exiting manholes while wearing headlamps.
- When
- The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 4 a.m. on Friday.
- Where
- Near 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, close to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.
- Why
- The reason they entered the sewer system has not been established; police are investigating.
- Investigator
- New York Police Department
- People shown
- Three
- Approximate time
- Shortly after 4 a.m.
- Location
- Near 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue, Manhattan
- Arrests
- None reported
- Infrastructure inspection
- No damage was found in the area
- Official warning
- Entering sewer pipes, drains, catch basins, manholes, or outfalls is illegal and extremely dangerous