Tractor Trailer Takes Down Christmas Lights In Downtown Newport

A truck driver coming through downtwn Newport did his best to be the grinch by taking down some Christmas lights. Jeff Eslinger with Newport Parks and Recreation told police that a truck with a trailer, hauling a shipping container came through downtown Newport and tore down three 150ft strands of lights that went across the roadway. The truck then left the scene. That truck however did not get far, the truck crashed east of Newport when the container being hauled struck the railroad trestle spanning the roadway on Hwy 25/70. The Tennessee Highway Patrol cited the driver of the truck for the height of the trailer and container being outside of state limits.

Eslinger said the lights in downtown Newport are at a height of 16 feet, and are above the state standard. The damage to the lights, labor to remove and replace the broken lights, plus rental equipment and fuel, was estimated to be approximately $3,000.00.