Accident ties up traffic in Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT – A freak accident involving a tree truck tied up traffic on Humphrey Street for hours during rush hour on Friday.Fire Lt. Bob Surette said the boom on a tree trimming truck came loose as the truck was traveling from Marblehead to Swampscott on Humphrey Street. The incident occurred near the former Temple Israel, 837 Humphrey St., at approximately 3:30 p.m.”The boom swung out and hit two telephone poles,” he said. “One pole snapped in three pieces and the other broke in half. The fire alarm box on the pole was knocked off.”Surette said the driver of vehicle was not injured.”Luckily there wasn’t anyone on the sidewalk,” he said. “No one got hurt.”According to an officer at the scene, the accident is still under investigation by the State Police truck unit but at this time speed does not appear to be a factor.Police Lt. Jeanne Butler said specifics regarding the accident including the name of the driver, the company that owned the vehicle and whether charges would be filed would not be available before Saturday.