I sense a lawsuit here

[eauclaireliberal]

A Staten Island teenager fell into a manhole while texting

by Christina Boyle
Daily News Staff Writer

Saturday, July 11th 2009, 4:00 AM

A Staten Island teen trying to text while walking fell into an open manhole - and city officials have launched an investigation.

Alexa Longueira, 15, was walking with a friend along Victory Blvd. on Wednesday when she suddenly dropped underground.

"She's all scraped up on her back, under her arms and her shoulders," her mother, Kim Longueira, said.

The schoolgirl had just been passed the phone by her friend and was opening it to send a text message when the ground beneath her feet disappeared.

The manhole had been opened by a Department of Environmental Protection team flushing a high-pressure sewer line, officials said.

DEP has said an investigation is underway.

"We regret that this happened and wish the young woman a speedy recovery," spokeswoman Mercedes Padilla said.

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. Yep. Glad she wasn't hurt but look where you are walking