Local

Tractor-trailer driver allegedly crashes into multiple vehicles, house in Lynn

LYNN, Mass. — A 29-year-old tractor-trailer driver is facing charges after allegedly crashing into multiple vehicles, a telephone pole, and a nearby house early Tuesday morning.

The crash resulted in a busted utility pole and major damage to the front porch of the house. This is all because a tractor-trailer driver said he swerved to avoid an animal on Western Avenue.

“I never thought that was going to happen. In a second everything, changed,” said the tractor-trailer driver.

He wouldn’t give his name, but this driver says he was on the way to Salem to make a delivery around 4:30 a.m. when he saw an animal in front of him on Western Avenue.

“I tried to avoid it, and it didn’t work, so that’s when I gave it. I lost control of everything,” he said.

Shaken but unhurt, he described slamming into parked cars along Western Avenue. One of the vehicles slammed through a utility pole before destroying a front porch and jolting the house attached to it.

“I heard an incredibly large bang, and I walked out onto the balcony. I felt a creek, and I saw the truck, immediately turned around and got off of the balcony, because I feel it giving way,” said Lynn resident Tom Chesbrough.

Chesbrough is one of seven people who live inside the house. His brother is another resident.

“I opened the front door, and then all of a sudden, there’s an 18-wheeler on the front yard,” Chesbrough said.

A tank on the truck sent diesel fuel all over the road. At the same time, live wires were ripped down.

“It was a very crazy chaotic scene. We’re just lucky that this didn’t happen 2 hours later when kids were going to school, or people were in their cars getting ready to go to work,” said Lynn Fire Captain Joseph Zukas.

Zukas says the city deemed the home unlivable because of the structural damage. By mid-morning, the diesel was cleaned, crews were setting a new utility pole, and work had begun to repair the porch.

The 29-year-old driver was cited for reckless operation of a motor vehicle and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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