BROCKTON, MASS. (WHDH) - A Brockton child was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after a light pole fell on top of him during recess.

Downey School administrators said the pole had rusted at its base, which made it collapse on the boy’s back and knock him to the ground. Three teachers worked to lift the pole off the boy and he was taken by ambulance to the hospital with bumps and bruises.

The Brockton School District said that a contractor will work Thursday to get rid of the rest of the light poles, which date back to the 1970s.

Statement from Brockton Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Smith:

“We are grateful that today’s accident was not more serious…and we are taking prudent steps to remove and replace every one of the poles at the Downey.”

Crews took all of the light poles down Thursday morning.

They mayor says they have already ordered replacements. They will be aluminum with LED lights. He also says beginning next week they will be doing an audit of all Brockton schools to see if poles anywhere else need to be removed.

The boy’s mother said he is recovering at home.

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