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NYPD investigates video of individuals climbing out of Manhattan manhole

Authorities reported no infrastructure damage after footage emerged showing three people exiting a sewer access point near Penn Station.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 00:17 UTC1 reports

The short version

The New York City Police Department is investigating a viral video depicting three people exiting a manhole near Penn Station wearing overalls and headlamps.
City environmental officials confirmed an inspection found no structural damage to the sewer system, but emphasized that entering the underground network is illegal and dangerous.
The incident follows similar events recorded in Brooklyn in May, which authorities previously suspected were connected to scavenging for valuables.
Police have made no arrests and continue to investigate the identities and motives of those involved.

A video posted to TikTok showed three people wearing overalls and headlamps emerging from a manhole near 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue near Penn Station.[NBC News]
The poster of the video stated that the recording was made after 4 a.m. on a Tuesday.[NBC News]
The New York City Environmental Protection Department reported that an inspection revealed no damage to the local sewer infrastructure.[NBC News]
The NYPD stated that the investigation remains active and no arrests have been made.[NBC News]
Similar incidents occurred in Brooklyn in May, where previous investigations found no public safety threats or sewer damage.[NBC News]

It remains unknown who the individuals were, what purpose they had underground, and whether this incident is related to similar occurrences documented in May.[NBC News]