Last Friday night, a flotilla of barges broke loose on the Ohio River near Pittsburgh, causing extensive damage and compelling authorities to shut down two major bridges as a precaution. The incident, which involved 26 barges—23 of which carried dry cargo, including coal—unfolded with dramatic urgency and no reported injuries, despite the potential danger.
The McKees Rocks Bridge, one of the two major thoroughfares closed, was sealed off by McKees Rocks police “out of an abundance of caution.” The police department conveyed the imminent risk of the situation: “They may or may not come into contact with sub-structure but we are not willing to take the risk.” This proactive approach echoed the city’s heightened alertness following the recent tragedy in Baltimore where the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a cargo vessel strike, claiming six lives.
The drifting barges, owned or operated by Campbell Transportation Company, unleashed their menace on Peggy’s Harbor, a full-service marina on the Ohio River, causing “extensive damage.” However, details on the marina’s condition remain unclear. Pittsburgh Public Safety, including police, fire, and emergency medical services, responded to the threat around 11:25 p.m., while the Coast Guard and Pennsylvania State Police were also promptly notified.
Among the runaway barges, 11 were successfully contained against the river bank near Brunot Island and restrained by a tugboat, according to a news release from the City of Pittsburgh. Despite these containment efforts, the remaining barges continued downstream. Five or six barges passed through the dam. Four came to rest downstream at a lock and dam, while another settled on the riverbank. Marine safety units were searching for one barge that was unaccounted for.
Fortunately, there were no hazardous materials on board any of the barges, mitigating the potential for environmental disaster. Multiple agencies, such as the Coast Guard, Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement, and fire departments, have been informed and are currently investigating the incident. The impact of high water levels and windy weather is still under evaluation. WPXI has contacted the Coast Guard and Campbell Transportation Company for additional details but has not received a response yet.
Relevant articles:
– 26 barges break loose and float down Ohio River, causing damage and prompting bridge closures in Pittsburgh, officials say
– River barges break loose in Pittsburgh, causing damage and closing bridges before some go over a dam, ABC News, Sat, 13 Apr 2024 11:03:24 GMT
– 26 barges break loose on Ohio River, cause damage to a marina, WPXI Pittsburgh, Sat, 13 Apr 2024 11:20:22 GMT
– Officials rush to shut down McKees Rocks Bridge after 23 barges break free in Pittsburgh – weeks after disaster that took down Key Bridge in Baltimore, Daily Mail, Sat, 13 Apr 2024 04:55:12 GMT