ROCKPORT — A miniature lighthouse that has guided motorists through a busy downtown intersection for years was destroyed Sunday morning after a motorist lost control of his pickup truck on a patch of ice and struck the beacon.
According to police, the driver was on his way home to the Newburyport area after having just picked up his son from a house party at 77 Penzance Road that turned violent early Sunday. One man was sliced by a beer bottle and another arrested around dawn Sunday at the home where dozens of out-of-town revelers began partying Saturday night.
The wooden lighthouse, located at the intersection of Broadway and Mount Pleasant Street across from T-Wharf, was anchored to a concrete block as a result of earlier vehicle strikes.
The truck, which was moderately damaged but was able to be driven away, became stuck on the base and had to be helped back to street level.
Rockport Police Sgt. Mark Schmink said yesterday it was probably the third time in 15 years the lighthouse had been struck.
Public Works Director Joe Parisi said the town was trying to get a repair cost estimate and would look to make contact with the driver's insurance company for payment.
Police said pieces of the lighthouse, which was wired for electricity, were strewn for several feet up Broadway.
Several traffic cones have been placed around the concrete foundation to warn drivers of the hazard.
Officials were not sure of how soon the lighthouse would be replaced.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
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