Barge spills oil after Texas bridge collision
A barge collision in Galveston, Texas, has led to the closure of the lone road to a nearby island after the vessel struck a bridge, resulting in an oil spill.
The incident on Wednesday morning caused significant damage to the bridge, with images showing a collapsed column partly resting on the barge. Texas officials told the BBC that the vessel was transporting a base petroleum product.
The barge collided with Galveston’s Pelican Island Causeway around 10:00 CST (14:00 BST), leading to the closure of the sole passage to Pelican Island.
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According to a statement by the City of Galveston, no injuries were sustained in the incident. However, reports from the Associated Press and NBC News indicate that one person aboard the barge was briefly thrown into the water but promptly rescued.
David Flores, a bridge superintendent with the Galveston County Navigation District, said the collision was due to a tugboat losing control of the two barges it was pushing amidst rough waves.
@davebondy #greenscreen a barge has hit a bridge in Galveston, Texas. #GalvestonBarge #BargeAccident #GalvestonTexas #News BreakingNews.