NYPD to investigate another video of people emerging from manhole

On Friday, a TikTok video emerged showing three individuals emerging from a manhole at 4:19am on August 18, donning headlamps and black overalls near Madison Square Garden. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the incident is under investigation. "The NYPD is aware of the incident and is actively investigating," the agency stated, adding that there are no arrests and the inquiry is ongoing.

This latest occurrence follows earlier reports from May, where similar videos surfaced across the city, depicting people exiting sewer systems during the early hours of the morning, clad in identical attire. In response to these reports, the NYPD dispatched its Emergency Services Unit into the sewer system to ensure no illicit items were left behind, according to a statement provided to NBC News.

The city's Environmental Protection Department, responsible for managing the sewer infrastructure, also conducted an inspection and found no damage to the equipment.

A senior law enforcement official reported that one theory being considered is that the individuals in the videos are searching the sewer system for valuables that have infiltrated the sewage. However, the connection between the videos from May and the one from Friday remains unknown. Rob Wolejsza, a spokesperson for the New York Department of Environmental Protection, expressed concerns regarding the safety of those emerging from the manholes.

"DEP works closely with our public safety partners to help ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure throughout New York City," Wolejsza stated. "Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous."