Barge Crashes into Bridge in Galveston, Texas

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--A barge crashed on Wednesday into the Pelican Island Causeway in Galveston, Texas, causing damage to the bridge and closing the road to traffic.

According to the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the event occurred about 10 am local time. No injuries were reported.

CBS News reported the barge broke loose from its tow and drifted into the bridge, according to Martin Midstream Partners L.P.'s marine division. The ship was owned and operated by Martin Operating Partnership L.P., a subsidiary of Martin Midstream Partners.

According to social media postings by the Galveston County OEM, the barge was leaking vacuum gas oil, causing the closing of a 6.5-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway. "The capacity of the barge is 30,000 gallons and the amount that has leaked out is unknown," it added.

"Power was temporarily interrupted to Pelican Island, which is home to Texas A&M Galveston," the Galveston County OEM reported. "Secondary power has been restored."

Industrial Info reports Texas International Terminals with GCC Bunkers (an affiliate company) was forced Wednesday morning to shut down its 50,000 barrel-per-day Galveston Crude Refinery due to the power outage caused by the barge crash. The duration of the outage was unknown.

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