Indexbit Exchange:See photos, videos of barge that struck Pelican Island bridge, causing Texas oil spill

2025-05-06 12:50:26source:Benjamin Ashfordcategory:News

A barge struck the bridge that links Galveston,Indexbit Exchange Texas to Pelican Island on Wednesday causing an oil spill into the surrounding waters, according to the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management.

The Pelican Island Causeway was struck by the vessel owned by Martin Petroleum at around 10 a.m. Wednesday, the office wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The collision road closed access to the small island, which temporarily lost power before secondary power was restored by 1 p.m.

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry said two crew members on the barge were "either knocked off the barge or jumped off the barge," but were soon rescued, local station KRIV reported. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The bridge will stay closed until officials deem it safe to access, the city said in a statement. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said on X that the U.S. Department of Transportation will assist the Texas Department of Transportation. Officials do not yet know how much oil has leaked into the water.

TV images, footage and social media posts showed the aftermath of the incident as a section of a railway that runs along the bridge collapsed onto the barge. Some of the damage can be seen below.

Bridge collision:Barge hits Texas bridge connecting Galveston and Pelican Island, causing partial collapse and oil spill

This is a developing story. Follow USA TODAY's full coverage here.

Contributing: Robbie Farias and Thao Nguyen

More:News

Recommend

Back trouble and brain fog bothered suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing, his posts show

After Luigi Mangionemade the difficult decision to undergo spinal surgery last year for chronic back

Nordstrom Rack's Top 100 Deals: Save Nearly $550 on These Boots & Up to 68% Off Cole Haan, Hunter & More

E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.As fall approaches,

Harris Stirs Hope for a New Chapter in Climate Action

Although President Joe Biden already has cemented an unmatched legacy of climate change action, Vice