More than 20 barges broke loose from a marina in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Friday night, spiraling out of control and down the Ohio River, causing “extensive damage.”
Mackies Rocks Bridge and West End Bridge are both temporarily closed. shutdown CNN reported that 26 vessels belonging to Campbell Transport Co., mainly carrying “dry cargo,” began heading downstream.
The city said 11 barges were found and anchored to the riverbank, while 14 continued to float down the river and six had crossed the dam. press release.
At 11:25 p.m., Pittsburgh Fire, EMS and police were called to a report of a barge that had broken down and drifted uncontrollably in the Ohio River.
A total of 26 barges escaped. 23 were loaded and 3 were empty. It was loaded with dry cargo such as coal and no hazardous materials. There were no reports of injuries, but Peggy’s Marina suffered significant damage.
Eleven of the barges were found near Bruno Island, anchored to the riverbank and currently being held by tugboats. Fourteen continued down the river and six crossed Emsworth Dam.
Officials added that both local bridges would reopen “when deemed safe.”
“[The barges] It may or may not come into contact with the substructure, but we don’t want to take any risks,” police said.
The incident occurred just two weeks after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, was destroyed in a cargo ship collision. killed 6 construction workers.
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