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Flag flying over Zakim Bridge falls on car, causes crash

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – Massachusetts State Police say a large flag that flies over the Zakim Bridge fell onto a car, causing a crash.

According to state police, the incident happened on the southbound side of Interstate 93 and caused the driver, a 55-year-old woman, to spin out and hit the median. State police say the driver was not injured.

There was some bumper damage on the 2010 Toyota Camry.

State police picked up the flag and the roadway was back open by Friday afternoon.

Investigators say the flag was held up between two legs on the lower south tower of the bridge by a rope. It was raised and lowered by a pulley system. They believe the rope, which is exposed to the elements, frayed, causing the flag to come loose and eventually fall.

The state's Department of Transportation has ordered a new flag and plans to update the quality of rope holding it to the bridge. They plan to be more diligent with this flag to ensure it does not cause a safety hazard to drivers.