Art teacher killed as 200lb manhole cover flies through window of her car

A driver was killed when a manhole cover flew through the windscreen of her car as she drove along the motorway. Primary school art teacher Caitlin Clavette died as the 200lb (90kg) projectile crashed into her car on her way to work in Boston. Her car continued going forward after the strike before hitting a wall on left lane of the southbound Interstate 93. Police in Massachusetts police are trying to establish what caused the manhole cover to become dislodged.

The whole back of the car was blown out. It was just an awful, awful sight

Witness Cathi Porreca-Leonard

The manhole, which was last inspected in June 2014, leads to a storm drainage system. Possible causes for it going airborne could be “excessive wear, deformation, or any other characteristics”, said investigators. Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker described it as an “incredibly bizarre” tragedy. He said crews were now carrying out safety checks on about 500 manhole covers, grates and utility panels on highways. Meanwhile, tributes flowed in for 35-year-old Ms Clavette, a keen triathlete who simply loved life.

She was a laugh a minute. This woman was just a good spirit. I mean, there’s no words to describe how nice and kind she was.

Victim’s friend Sherman Roberts

manhole cover