Barges Collide with Bridge in Oklahoma

By Karen Kosko

04-15-2008

Seven barges broke loose from their moorings at the Port of Muskogee and struck the Highway 62 bridge.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation closed the bridge for inspections from early Monday until about a short time ago.

No injuries were reported and officials at the scene report that no damage appeared to have occurred to the bridge itself. At this time, it is uncertain how the barges came loose. Towboats are working to round up the runaway barges.

Police officers responded quickly to the situation and were able to get to the bridge and block traffic before the barges collided with the structure. Police Captain Stephanie Schledorn said that “everybody remembers Webbers Falls” and remarked that was one reason for acting as quickly as possible.

On May 26, 2002, fourteen people plunged to their deaths when a towboat crashed into the bridge that spans I-40 at Webbers Falls.