The New York Police Department is investigating an incident captured on video Aug. 18, where three individuals wearing overalls and headlamps emerged from a manhole near Penn Station. The NYPD confirmed the event occurred at approximately 4:19 a.m. at the intersection of 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue.
No arrests have been made, and police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Detectives told ABC News that they suspect migrants, potentially from Venezuela where a scavenger culture is believed to exist, may be entering the sewers to search for valuables.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) stated that entering the sewer system is illegal and extremely dangerous due to potential hazards such as toxic gases, unstable surfaces, flooding, and confined spaces. The DEP has inspected the sewer infrastructure at the location and confirmed its safety. They work with public safety partners to secure critical infrastructure throughout the city.
The city's sewer system consists of over 7,400 miles of wastewater and stormwater pipes, with some sections dating back to the 19th century. In June, reports indicated three separate instances of individuals exiting manholes in Queens and Brooklyn neighborhoods, often equipped with headlamps and tools.