PITTSTON — While details remain scarce on what caused the crash involving the Christopher Columbus statue, city officials say it will probably take several weeks to get the statue remounted.
The crash happened at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday when a vehicle plowed into the statue near the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and South Main Street. The statue looked to be intact as it rested on top of the vehicle that struck it, according to a witness.
Pittston Fire Chief James Rooney said the driver of the vehicle was taken to a local medical facility for treatment. Rooney referred a reporter to the Pittston City Police Department for more information.
Police Chief Robert Powers said the driver was taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center after the crash, and he was discharged Thursday. Powers said the crash is still under investigation.
Reiterating that the incident remains under investigation, City Administrator Joseph Moskovitz expressed concern for the driver involved.
“We’re concerned about the arts and cultural amenities that we have, but you can’t overlook the individual,” he said.
Moskovitz explained that the statue is made of Italian marble and is valued at approximately $250,000. He added that the statue was donated by a number of citizens in the city.
Since the city has made a commitment to the arts and its downtown area, Moskovitz said, the plan is to restore the statue to its former glory.
City officials, however, plan to reach for outside help with consultants that deal specifically with art.
“We’re not talking about a streetlight that was knocked over. We’re talking about a piece of art,” Moskovitz said. “I want our people to be very careful with how we move forward with this.”
Moskovitz anticipated it will probably take several weeks before the statue is standing again.
