An incident involving a barge and a bridge has raised alarms this past weekend, reminiscent of the tragic event in Baltimore. Authorities reported that a barge collided with a bridge structure in the United States.
The incident occurred just days after a cargo ship caused the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The authorities are currently investigating the causes of the accident.
The bridge affected by the barge collision was the Arkansas River bridge near US-59 and the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam. The impact led to the temporary closure of this vital roadway.
Emergency management director Jonathan Teague of Sequoyah County stated that they are still determining the exact reasons behind the accident. The left side of one of the barges collided with the bridge structure, prompting swift intervention from road authorities.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrived on the scene within 30 minutes to close the bridge and assess any potential damages for the safety of road users. Thankfully, the inspection showed that the bridge’s structure remained stable, with only superficial damages.
Despite the magnitude of the impact, no injuries were reported, thanks to the prompt action of the authorities and the bridge’s resilience. The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the barge-bridge collision.
Temporary traffic disruptions occurred due to the bridge’s closure, but alternative routes were recommended by road authorities. Once necessary evaluations and repairs were completed, the bridge reopened to the public, restoring connectivity in the region. It is essential to learn from this incident to prevent similar accidents in the future.
