A woman crossing a bridge in East Boston was killed when the bridge was raised and then lowered on top of her Tuesday afternoon.
Boston police said emergency personnel were called to the Andrew McArdle Bridge at 498 Meridian St. just before 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The bridge connects East Boston and Chelsea.
The woman, who was not identified, was attempting to cross the bridge on foot when it was raised to allow a vessel to pass, police said.
“The bridge operator heard what he believed to be calls for help and lowered the bridge in an attempt to help the victim,” police said.
Police said the woman suffered “massive trauma” and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The bridge operator is cooperating and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Police are investigating.
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