PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating after more than 20 barges broke loose and floated down the Ohio River.
The commander for the Pittsburgh district of the Army Corp of Engineers told KDKA the 26 barges that broke loose have been accounted for, with some of them resting against the Emsworth Lock and Dam on the Ohio River.
He said early investigation found no issues with the dam and no one was hurt.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard said 26 barges broke away from a vessel at mile marker one.
Of the 26 barges, 23 were loaded and three were empty.
Those that were loaded were carrying dry cargo such as coal, but no hazardous materials were being carried.
Eleven of the barges came to a stop, pinned against the river bank by Brunot Island and now are being held by a tugboat.
The incident is under investigation but the commander told KDKA the high water levels played a factor.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA)—More than 20 barges broke loose and drifted down the Ohio River, sparking an investigation by several law enforcement organizations.
The Army Corps of Engineers commander for the Pittsburgh district told KDKA that all 26 of the loose barges have been located and are now resting against the Ohio River’s Emsworth Lock and Dam.
He said that no one was harmed and that an early investigation revealed no problems with the dam.
The call was received on Friday night at 11:30, according to Pittsburgh Police.
a representative of the U. S. According to the Coast Guard, at mile marker one, 26 barges separated from a vessel. There were 26 barges total; 23 were loaded and 3 were empty.
The ones that were loaded were transporting dry goods like coal; no dangerous goods were being transported.
Pollution or contamination have not been reported.
Eleven barges stopped, pinned by Brunot Island against the riverbank, and are currently being held by a tugboat.
According to the commander, nine came to a halt at Emsworth Lock and Dam.
Five have been found, and one is thought to have sunk. The other six, meanwhile, passed through the dam and are all thought to be downstream.
During the process, other nearby docks suffered damage as well as significant damage to Peggy’s Marina.
Although the incident is still being investigated, the commander told KDKA that high water levels were a contributing factor.
Owing and running the barges is Campbell Transportation Company.
The bridges that had been closed for the night have now opened again.
