Brookline Crossing Guard Struck by Falling Traffic Light

A school traffic supervisor is back at home tonight after being knocked down by a falling traffic light in Brookline Village early today.

The man, who police are not identifying, was taken to Brigham and Women's Hospital earlier today after the falling pole landed on his neck and shoulder. But he was back at the station by 6 p.m. and preparing to go home, according to Lt. Phillip Harrington.

Harrington said the employee, who issues parking tickets when not helping school children across the street, was riding his personal motorcycle to the Brookline police station around 3 p.m. today when he noticed a truck that had snagged a sidewalk-mounted traffic light as it as it made a turn at the intersection of School and Harvard streets.

The safety supervisor had reportedly dismounted from his motorcycle and was walking toward the truck to help the driver when the vehicle suddenly lurched forward, knocking the pole on top of him. He was immediately taken to the hospital

Harrington said police are still investigating the accident and have not decided whether to cite the driver. As of 5 p.m., the fallen traffic light was still resting on the sidewalk, its colored lights reflecting off the pavement as the signal changed.