A cargo ship collided with a Texas bridge on Wednesday morning, causing a halt in traffic to and from a small residential island. Authorities are currently assessing the safety of the structure to ensure it is not at risk of collapsing.
According to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place around 10 am. As a result of the strike, a section of the railway line connected to the Pelican Island Causeway fell into the water. Fortunately, the bridge itself remains intact, and there have been no reports of injuries.
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According to the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, there has been a vacuum gas oil spill, but the extent of the leak into the water is currently unknown. Emergency responders are actively working to clean the spilled fluids from the Galveston Channel.
Vehicle traffic on the island was initially closed in both directions, but now it has been opened for vehicles trying to exit the island. However, vessel traffic in the water remains closed.
The Texas Department of Transportation is currently assessing the structural impact on the bridge. According to the office of emergency management, Galveston County and its partners will continue to evaluate the situation. The scene has also seen the presence of other agencies, such as the US Coast Guard, who have been summoned to assist.
According to David Flores, the superintendent of the Galveston County Navigation District responsible for the Pelican Island Causeway, a pushboat that was maneuvering two barges from Texas International Terminals encountered a loss of control, causing the vessels to collide with an electrical line, resulting in a fire.
The superintendent emphasized that the only way to leave the island is by allowing one car at a time.
The campus experienced a brief power outage right after the bridge strike, but electricity was quickly restored.
According to a report published by the Texas Department of Transportation last year, the bridge was found to be at risk of a potential bridge strike. The department had already announced plans to begin replacing the structure within the next two years.
Seawolf Park, a memorial to USS Seawolf, and numerous maritime industry companies are established on the island, which has a population of approximately 10,000. The university is also located on the island.
