Ohio River Barges
A towboat on the Ohio River had 4 barges break free downstream of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia when it was preparing to enter the Emsworth Lock. Three of the barges floated until they weree pressed up against a railroad bridge on Neville Island. One barge loaded with steel coils sank allowing another barge loaded with coal to float further downstream until it got hung up on a channel that is part of Emsworth Dam. Hazardous Materials teams were deployed as one barge containing light crude oil containing benzene. Bridge traffic was suspended and 1,000 students were evacuated as a precaution. Crews later were able to secure the barge with light crude oil and one other with a cargo of coal. Reports state the safety wires broke due to the strong current of the river due to the high water and recent rain in the area. Reports state that there was no release of pollution and the railroad bridge did not sustain any damage.
