Dozens Of Barges Break Loose On Ohio River, Bridge Closed: Police

PITTSBURGH, PA — More than two dozen barges broke loose on the Ohio River in Pittsburgh on Friday night, damaging a marina and prompting authorities to close a nearby bridge to traffic.

According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, authorities were dispatched shortly before 11 p.m. after receiving reports that several barges had broken loose and were floating uncontrolled down the Ohio River.

Police said 26 barges broke loose — 23 were loaded with cargo including coal and three were empty. The barges contained no hazardous materials, authorities said.

No injuries were reported, police said, but Peggy's Marina sustained extensive damage. The nearby Branchport Boat Club also was damaged, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

According to police, 11 barges were pinned against the river bank by Brunot Island and are currently being held by a tugboat. Fourteen continued down the river and six went over the Emsworth Dam.

Police closed the West End Bridge in both directions and shut down rail traffic to Brunot Island. The bridge reopened later Saturday.

The barges are owned or operated by Campbell Transportation Company. It's unclear what caused the barges to break free.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident.