Video shows a truck destroying a Nantucket landmark in a head-on collision
A truck destroyed a Nantucket landmark Sunday night in what was said to be a hit-and-run.
The incident was recorded on video, which led to the main street fountain falling. The footage shows a white pickup truck driving straight toward and through the fountain.
The Nantucket Current reported that the accident occurred just after 10:30 p.m. when a white Chevy Silverado struck the fountain head-on, sending pieces of the fountain flying up to 30 yards. The truck then fled the area.
According to the Nantucket Historical Society, the fountain dates back to 1886, but has been hit by drivers at least 13 times. The last time she was hit by a car was in March 2020.
Nantucket resident Michael Holdgate, 55, has been identified as the driver in Sunday’s crash, WCVB reported. He is the owner of Holdgate’s Island Laundry, as well as the truck that toppled the fountain, The Current reported.
Holdgate was arrested on Sunday night while police were investigating the incident, the Current newspaper reported. Police reportedly found the truck involved in the accident in the parking area behind Holdgate Works.
According to court documents related to Holdgett’s arrest, officers were “investigating a collision” on Sunday when a white truck sped “unsafely” into the Vesper Lane driveway where they were parked.
“This vehicle was operated in an unsafe and negligent manner,” police wrote. “Any reasonable person would have slowed down to turn into a lane with 3 marked police vehicles.”
The driver identified himself as Holdgett, the owner of the truck “and the truck from the accident,” according to court documents. Holdgett was allegedly visibly intoxicated and refused field sobriety tests. Although he claimed to have only had one beer that night, a breathalyzer test later recorded his blood alcohol level as 0.147, police said.
Police charged Holdate with operating under the influence, the second offense of its kind, and negligent operation. He was arraigned Monday in Nantucket District Court and released on his own recognizance, according to court records.
It is unclear whether Holdgate will be charged in connection with the fountain crash.
Holdgate’s attorney, James Merberg, declined to comment on the charges Monday. Holdgate is scheduled to return to court on November 20 for a preliminary hearing.
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