BOSTON — Strong winds sent debris flying off a building under construction and into a parked car with a child inside on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Stuart Street in Boston. No injuries were reported.
The owner of the damaged car told Boston 25 that his son and babysitter were in the car at the time. He said he’s grateful they are both OK.
The scene on Stuart Street, Boston, where loose concrete fell off scaffolding on building under construction, smashing back windshield of car. Child and babysitter sitting inside not hurt. Video: @photogshawn pic.twitter.com/DHq56zLmZn
— Christine McCarthy (@ChristineMNews) January 17, 2020
Boston Fire District Chief Paul Carey said falling debris is to blame.
“The contractors were using some chipping tools and there was some loose concrete that ended up on the platform up there, and with high winds, some of that concrete came off the building, went through the back window of a car with some people in it,” said Carey.
Boston firefighters secured the area as high winds whipped through the city.
“That’s what we’re worried about tonight. They’re saying 50 mph gusts. So that’s probably what happened. A gust came along, moved some of that concrete, became airborne and took the whole back window out of the car,” Carey said.
The debris smashed through the back windshield of the parked car.
First responders are also grateful, knowing the situation could have been worse.
“Yeah, we’re lucky, yup,” Carey said.
The city’s Inspectional Services Department assessed the damage, making sure it is structurally sound. Contractors also arrived to sweep the remaining debris from the platform.
Boston saw 47 mph wind gusts around the time of the incident. Strong winds also led to some trees falling across the region.
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