New York law enforcement authorities are investigating a puzzling incident after video captured three people emerging from a sewer opening in Midtown Manhattan in the early hours of the morning.
The incident is the latest in a series of similar occurrences reported across New York City in recent months, with authorities yet to provide a definitive explanation for the activity.
Kan reports that the latest incident occurred at around 4:00 a.m. on August 18 at the intersection of 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue, near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. The footage shows three people wearing coveralls and headlamps climbing one after another from an underground sewer system onto the street.
Police said they are aware of the incident and that it remains under review. No arrests have been made. An inspection by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection found no damage to the surrounding infrastructure.
The incident follows several similar cases reported since May, when groups were spotted entering and exiting drainage openings in Brooklyn and Queens during nighttime hours. In one case, seven people were seen emerging from the underground system after spending more than two hours below ground. In another incident in Astoria, three people were filmed lifting a metal cover and entering the system while equipped with lights and clothing suitable for navigating water.
Police have previously said the leading theory is that those involved are searching for valuable objects that may have fallen or been carried into the underground system. Authorities have found no evidence so far suggesting criminal or malicious intent.
New York City’s sewer network stretches for more than 12,000 kilometers. Entering or remaining inside the system without authorization is illegal.