Barge Hits Texas Bridge in Incident Reminiscent of Baltimore Collapse
Although the damage is relatively minor, cleanup efforts are underway to mitigate environmental harm
In a scene that's becoming all too familiar, a barge collided with a bridge in Galveston, Texas, spilling oil into the surrounding waters and closing the only road to Pelican Island. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., as confirmed by Galveston’s Office of Emergency Management.
The bridge, critical for access to Pelican Island, sustained significant damage. Aerial footage revealed portions of an unused rail line atop the barge, emphasizing the force of the impact. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office reported that a substantial piece of the bridge fell onto the barge.
BREAKING: A barge has hit a bridge in Galveston, Texas, local officials say, causing an oil spill and closing the only roadway connected to Pelican Island. There are no reported injuries. pic.twitter.com/5jpoAmk66o
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 15, 2024
In an online statement, Texas A&M University at Galveston said: “The Pelican Island Bridge is closed to all traffic at this time due to a barge strike. Electricity has been restored and additional updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.”
This incident comes less than two months after the vessel ship Dali lost power and collapsed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, claiming the lives of six construction workers. The bridge was demolished earlier this week as the city filed a lawsuit to cover the enormous price tag of building a new bridge.
In April, the 11,000-foot-long APL Qingdao suffered a loss of propulsion near New York's Verrazano Bridge, though the impact was minimal compared to Baltimore.
.In Galveston, the immediate impact includes halting traffic to Pelican Island, which could delay shipments and affect businesses dependent on timely deliveries. The oil spill adds an environmental dimension, potentially leading to regulatory scrutiny and cleanup costs that could further strain resources.
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