A teenage girl's visit to a Beverly cemetery took a harrowing turn Tuesday evening when a headstone she attempted to sit on came crashing down upon her. According to WHDH, the 17-year-old was enjoying a moment of repose upon the gravestone at St. Mary’s Cemetery before it toppled, pinning her underneath and leaving her with a leg injury.
Local emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly thereafter. In a testament to the community's quick response, police, fire and ambulance personnel were all involved in the rescue. The girl, whom had been trapped by the heavy marker, was released from its weight and transported to Beverly Hospital, where she is recovering, as WHDH's video coverage from the scene showcased the urgency and efficacy of the rescue efforts.
The headstone, measuring 3-feet high by 4-feet wide, could have caused more severe damage were it not for the prompt action taken by responders at the scene. Beverly Police officers found the girl in distress and were able to lift the significant stone off of her leg, as reported by Boston25News.
The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the unexpected hazards that can lurk in even the most serene settings like that of St. Mary’s Cemetery. The girl’s current condition has not been publicly disclosed beyond the initial acknowledgment of her leg injury. Police have not released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the stone's unsettling descent onto an unsuspecting visitor to the memorial grounds.
