Police in Massachusetts are investigating an early Thursday morning crash into a memorial for the MIT police officer whose death sparked a massive manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers.
Cambridge authorities said the memorial for Sean Collier, which sits at the intersection of Main and Vassar streets, was hit by a car just after 12:30 a.m. by a 52-year-old man. Police said the driver appears to have struck the memorial and a nearby tree.
The driver was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said damage to the structure appears to be minimal.
"It’s a beautiful memorial and happy to see it still standing," said MIT employee Evelina Carreilo.
The memorial to Collier, who was shot and killed by the Boston Marathon bombers on April 18, 2013, is composed of 32 solid blocks of granite that form a five-way stone vault.
The memorial was dedicated to the slain officer on April 25, 2015.
U.S. & World
MIT says the structure translates the phrase "Collier Strong" into a space of remembrance that embodies the concept of strength through unity.
"It’s a significant focal point of the institute," said MIT Police Chief John DiFava. "When the school decided that they wanted to put a memorial, it was obvious there was no other place. It had to be here."
Officials with the Officer Sean A. Collier Memorial Fund tweeted that although there wasn't structural damage, some repairs are needed.
"We are grateful that no pedestrians were injured in this accident," read part of the tweet.
Police said the driver, who has not been identified, did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The exact cause of the crash is under investigation.
"This memorial is really a testament to how much MIT respects and honors Mr. Collier's memory. I really hope they can repair it as soon as possible," said Jatin Rober, an MIT employee.
