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Tracking Pelican Island bridge collapse
We are tracking a barge that crashed into the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston on Wednesday which has caused a portion of the bridge to fall off and oil to spill into the water. FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia reports on what we know so far and what is being done.
PELICAN ISLAND, Texas - A barge struck the Pelican Island Bridge on Wednesday morning, cutting off vehicle traffic into and out of the island for several hours.
One lane of the bridge that connects Pelican Island to Galveston has now reopened to allow people to leave the island, but cars cannot drive into Pelican Island. On Wednesday night, officials said residents could cross the bridge by foot.
The collision occurred around 10 a.m. Galveston officials say there were no reports of injuries. However, Judge Henry says two crew members did go overboard but were recovered from the water.
SkyFOX video from the scene shows that debris from the bridge, including a section of the railroad tracks, fell onto the barge.
Judge Henry says the collision resulted in a spill of vacuum gas oil. The barge reportedly has a 30,000-gallon capacity, but the county judge says it's not known at this time how much oil was on board.
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Galveston County Judge details bridge hit by barge
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry provides more details about the Pelican Island Bridge hit by a barge.
The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to determine the extent of the spill and initiate the containment and cleanup process.
Emergency management officials from the City of Galveston, Texas A&M University at Galveston, the state, Galveston fire and police departments, and Texas Department of Transportation are also responding to the incident.
TxDOT will inspect the roadway to assess the damage, and the bridge will remain closed until it is deemed safe, officials say.
Galveston police are detouring traffic away from the bridge. Officials say Harborside Drive is open to east-west traffic, but drivers will not be able to turn north toward Pelican Island from 51st and Harborside.
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History of Pelican Island bridge
The Pelican Island bridge suffered significant damage causing it to be shut down for hours. We give a brief history of the bridge and the changes it has undergone since it was built.
Texas A&M University at Galveston, which is located on Pelican Island, is assessing impacts to the campus and will communicate updates through their emergency alert system, email and social media.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.