Late on Friday night, more than two dozen barges broke loose on the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, leading to the closure of two bridges and causing significant damage to Peggy’s Harbor. The barges were carrying coal and fertilizer, but no hazardous materials. One barge containing coal is still missing, believed to have sunk, but search efforts have been delayed due to high water levels from recent flooding.
The U.S. Coast Guard has advised mariners to avoid the area until all barges have been recovered, and navigation won’t resume until water levels have lowered. Eleven barges have been located and secured, while others have gone over dams or continued down the river. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported.
The bridge closures come just weeks after a cargo vessel hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge near Baltimore, causing it to collapse. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of bridges in the U.S. Pittsburgh, known for its iconic bridges, is taking precautions to ensure the safety of its residents and infrastructure.
The barges involved in the incident are owned or operated by the Campbell Transportation Company, but the cause of the accident remains unclear. The Army Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard are working to recover the remaining barges and assess any damage. Despite the challenges, officials remain focused on recovering the missing barge and ensuring the safety of the waterway.
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