# Manhattan and NYC sewer manhole investigations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/manhattan-sewer-manhole-investigation > Updated: 2026-08-25T23:22:19.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 2. The NYPD is investigating a series of incidents involving individuals emerging from manholes across New York City. The most recent event, captured on video, occurred around 4:00 a.m. on August 18 near the intersection of 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue, close to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. The footage shows three individuals in black overalls and headlamps exiting the underground infrastructure before fleeing the scene. These sightings follow similar reports in Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Williamsburg and Gravesend, as well as in Astoria, Queens. In some previous instances, groups of up to eight people were observed entering or exiting the sewer system during late-night hours. Detectives believe these individuals may be “scavengers” searching the city’s extensive sewer network for valuables such as jewelry or lost wallets. Investigators have also noted a potential link to migrants searching for items within the sewage system. While the NYPD has identified individuals in previous cases, no arrests have been made regarding the Penn Station incident. The Department of Environmental Protection has confirmed no structural damage to the wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, but officials have issued warnings that entering the sewers is illegal and extremely dangerous due to risks of unstable surfaces, flooding, and potentially fatal poisonous gases. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Manhattan manhole incidents prompt NYPD investigation The NYPD is investigating multiple incidents where groups of people wearing headlamps and overalls were filmed emerging from manholes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, possibly scavenging for valuables. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manhattan-police-investigate-individuals-emerging-from-sewer-manhole ### 2026-08-23: Manhattan manhole incident prompts NYPD investigation into suspected sewer scavengers The NYPD is investigating a video showing three people in headlamps emerging from a Manhattan manhole near Penn Station, suspected to be scavenging for valuables in the city's sewer system. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nypd-investigates-video-of-people-emerging-from-manhattan-manhole --- Cite as: Manhattan and NYC sewer manhole investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/manhattan-sewer-manhole-investigation