Missing Manhole Covers Lead to Injury and Safety Concerns in San Antonio Neighborhood

Missing Manhole Covers Cause Concern in San Antonio Neighborhood

San Antonio – It seems that missing manhole covers have become an alarming issue in a Southwest Side neighborhood. This concern took a troubling turn when a woman fell into an open manhole Thursday afternoon. Reports indicate she fell approximately six feet deep, and thanks to the quick response of the San Antonio Fire Department, she was safely pulled out and rushed to a hospital where she is believed to have suffered a leg injury.

Neighbors in the area are understandably shaken. One resident, Miranda Hernandez, who lives just a few doors down from the incident location near Brunswick Boulevard and Packard Street, described hearing a loud noise that made her suspect something serious had happened. “I didn’t see her fall in there, but I really thought it was her falling when I heard that sound,” she said, expressing her relief that emergency services were able to respond so swiftly.

Rachel Garza, another neighbor, joined Hernandez in recording the rescue unfold from her front yard. “How do you miss something like that?” she pondered, gazing at the gaping hole where the manhole cover once was. Both women mentioned they had been avoiding the hole for some time, the reality of missing manhole covers being all too familiar to them. Garza even hinted at a growing suspicion of theft in the area. “I think somebody’s stealing the top covers,” she remarked, concerned about the potential dangers this situation poses, especially to children who play outside nearby.

The discussion quickly shifted to the overall safety of the neighborhood. Garza pointed out that kids play outside regularly, making the presence of unguarded manholes particularly dangerous. “It’s just too much; it’s dangerous. Everyone’s out here playing, and we really need to keep our kids safe,” she emphasized.

Hernandez also shared a chilling story about another close call experienced by a convenience store clerk who almost fell into a manhole not too far from where she lives. Thankfully, that incident ended without injury, and the store owner was proactive in calling the city to have the lid replaced and secured.

In light of the recent accidents, we decided to reach out to the City of San Antonio’s Public Works Department. They confirmed that they are aware of the incidents involving missing manhole covers in the neighborhood. Nicholas Oliver, the public relations manager for Public Works, mentioned in a statement, “We are sorry to hear about the incident. Upon learning about it, our staff quickly responded to investigate and address the situation.” Based on their findings, it appears that unauthorized individuals have been removing manhole covers. Following the woman’s fall, city workers promptly replaced and secured several covers in the area.

Although the theft of manhole covers is not a common issue, it has raised substantial concern among residents. There have been arrests made in connection with scrap metal thefts throughout the city, particularly regarding metals like copper wiring. According to city ordinances, it is illegal for scrap yards to accept certain metal items—including manhole covers—and they must keep records of individuals who bring in scrap metal.

With the thrill of weekend plans looming large, residents are left worried yet determined to look out for one another. “Call 311 if you see anything suspicious,” Oliver advised. Community safety remains a top priority for city officials, and with residents like Hernandez and Garza staying vigilant, hopefully, fewer incidents like this will occur.