In a dramatic incident on Friday night, 26 barges broke loose on the Ohio River, causing damage to a marina and leading to the temporary closure of two bridges in the Pittsburgh area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the barges floated uncontrolled downstream due to heavy rainfall.

The McKees Rocks Bridge and the West End Bridge, located about 2.5 miles apart, were both closed as a precautionary measure following the incident. However, after a thorough inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation bridge unit, it was determined that the McKees Rocks Bridge suffered no damage and was reopened promptly on Saturday morning.

According to Pittsburgh city officials, the West End Bridge was also closed in both directions, and rail traffic on the bridge leading to Brunot Island was disrupted. However, reassuring news arrived as Col. Nicholas Melin, commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, announced that all bridges in the area were currently open for vehicular traffic.

The owner and operator of the barges, Campbell Transportation Company, released a statement confirming that 25 barges had been located. Out of these, 17 barges were secured and under control, while eight others were found lodged against the Emsworth Locks and Dams. Fortunately, none of the barges were carrying hazardous materials, relieving concerns about potential environmental damage.

It was revealed that the majority of the loose barges, 23 out of the 26, were loaded with dry cargo, including coal. This underscores the significant economic impact of the incident, as the damages caused by the uncontrolled barges extend beyond the marina.

One notable consequence of the incident is the damage sustained by Peggy's Harbor, a family-owned marina on the Ohio River. While the extent of the damage remains unknown, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with such incidents.

The incident on the Ohio River occurred just two weeks after the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which claimed the lives of six construction workers. These recent events highlight the need for enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the Pittsburgh-area bridges reopen and traffic resumes, the authorities and transportation agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely. The swift response and coordination between governmental authorities and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are commendable, as they have successfully resolved the immediate concerns arising from the incident on the Ohio River.