In a recent viral video shared by veteran social media superstar Casey Neistat, New Yorkers were shocked to witness a city sidewalk crumbling beneath his feet. The footage captured Neistat walking along a pavement when he unexpectedly stumbled upon a crack. Intrigued, he bravely dipped his toe into the crevice, only to witness the ground cave in like a scene from an Indiana Jones movie. The collapse revealed a deep, gaping chasm, complete with underground pipes, reminiscent of Gotham’s mythical mole people.
The video quickly amassed over 17 million views in less than 24 hours and sparked concerns amongst residents. Many viewers took to social media platforms such as TikTok to share their witty remarks about the crumbling sidewalks. Some joked about the exorbitant real estate prices in New York City, suggesting that the chasm could be rented out for a high price. Others suggested that Neistat should have purposefully fallen into the hole in order to file a lawsuit against the city.
scary NYC sidewalks pic.twitter.com/elCKmOuxkc
— Casey Neistat (@Casey) September 13, 2023
This incident is not an isolated event, as New York City has experienced numerous reports of sidewalk cave-ins since 2019. In fact, just last month, eerie footage captured a hole in a Manhattan sidewalk that allowed pedestrians to glimpse subway trains running directly beneath their feet. Stepping on these cracks can lead to serious injuries, as demonstrated by a 33-year-old man who narrowly escaped harm when a sinkhole opened up on a Bronx sidewalk, causing him to plummet 15 feet.
The deteriorating state of New York City’s sidewalks has raised concerns about urban decay and the city’s infrastructure. Pundits and social media users alike have expressed their frustrations, claiming that the city is falling apart without any feasible solutions in sight. However, it is important to note that individuals can report cave-ins through the city’s 311 page, and if it poses a threat to public safety, they are instructed to call 911 immediately. Different departments are responsible for handling cave-ins near catch basins or water leaks, and New Yorkers are encouraged to report these incidents accordingly.
As the city grapples with these infrastructure challenges, it is crucial to address the crumbling sidewalks to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The viral video shared by Casey Neistat serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to prevent further cave-ins.
