business
Family of Donike Goncaj, grandmother killed after falling into open New York City manhole, accuses utility company of negligence in lawsuit
By KTRK / ABC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
The family of Donike Goncaj, a grandmother killed after falling into an open New York City manhole, accuses a utility company of negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
The lawsuit filed by the family of Donike Goncaj raises questions about infrastructure maintenance and public safety, concerns that are also relevant in Bellaire . As a community within the larger Houston area, Bellaire residents rely on a complex network of underground utilities and infrastructure. The incident in New York City serves as a stark reminder that the failure to properly maintain and secure these systems can have devastating consequences. In Bellaire, residents expect a certain level of safety and maintenance from utility companies, and it is crucial that these companies prioritize regular inspections and repairs to prevent similar tragedies. The city's own public works department and utility providers should take note of this incident and review their own protocols to ensure that Bellaire's infrastructure is secure and well-maintained, protecting residents from potential hazards.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The family of Donike Goncaj, a grandmother killed after falling into an open New York City manhole, accuses a utility company of negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KTRK / ABC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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