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Wind topples Ben Franklin statue on Boston’s Freedom Trail

In this photo released by the city of Boston mayor’s office, a statue of Benjamin Franklin lies Monday, May 16, 2016, on the concrete outside where it landed when knocked off its pedestal outside Old City Hall in Boston. A spokesperson for the mayor said high winds pushed a nearby tent into the statue, causing it to fall off its pedestal. (City of Boston via Associated Press)
Associated Press

BOSTON – When Ben Franklin famously flew a kite in a lightning storm, he made history, but a windstorm over the weekend proved too much.

The Boston Globe reported an 1856 bronze statue of Franklin positioned along the city’s Freedom Trail toppled over after a particularly blustery Sunday.

A city spokeswoman said high winds pushed a nearby tent into the statue, causing it to fall off its pedestal.

She says the Boston Arts Commission is working with a professional curator on the repair plan.

Crews were seen placing the statue into what looked like a body bag on Monday.

The Freedom Trail Foundation website says the statue marks the location of the original Boston Latin School, where Franklin was a student. It’s the oldest public school in the nation.