Woman hurt by falling light pole while walking in Boston's Seaport District
BOSTON – Sources told the WBZ-TV I-Team that a woman was hurt Tuesday when a light pole fell on her while she was walking in Boston's Seaport District.
The pole toppled onto the woman while she was walking on the Evelyn Moakley Bridge.
Sources told the I-Team the woman suffered injuries to her head and leg.
Boston Police said the woman was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
City officials removed 23 poles that were installed around the same time as the one that fell as a precaution.
"The City of Boston prioritizes the safety of its residents and visitors, and in the interest of safety, the sidewalks and bike path were closed and vehicular traffic reduced to one lane in each direction until Public Works crews could evaluate all street lights," a city spokesperson said. "Upon inspection overnight, crews removed 23 poles of the same age from the bridge out of an abundance of caution. The area is now fully reopen and safe for pedestrians and drivers."
Stephen Ryan walks the bridge regularly. He said about a year ago, he warned the city about a pole's deteriorating condition and received a response saying the case had been resolved.
"I kind of knew it was going to eventually happen. Just by looking at that light base, you know it's structurally not sound," Ryan said.