A 56-year-old grandmother died after falling into a steam-filled manhole in New York City's Midtown Manhattan.
Donike Gocaj suffered severe thermal injuries and blunt force trauma after plunging into the uncovered maintenance hole.
The city medical examiner ruled her death accidental, citing severe steam inhalation and burns.
The underground steam system in Manhattan carries water at temperatures reaching 456 degrees Fahrenheit.
Experts say inhaling the superheated steam may have caused the most catastrophic injuries, including scald burns and damage to the lungs.
Bystanders attempted to help Gocaj before emergency crews arrived, but she cried out 'I'm dying' after falling into the opening.
Authorities have not explained why the manhole was left uncovered at the time of the fatal incident.
