On Wednesday, May 15, at 10 a.m. local time, a barge collided with the Pelican Island Causeway in Galveston, Texas. The bridge has major damage and will remain closed to all vehicles. 

Galveston officials said in a press release that no injuries have been reported.

Various officials and first responders, including the Galveston police and fire departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Texas Department of Transportation, have responded to the collision.

In addition to the damage to the bridge, the barge is leaking oil. It has a capacity of about 30,000 gallons; the amount that has leaked out is unknown. Officials said the U.S. Coast Guard is responding to the oil spill, will determine its extent, and initiate "containment and cleanup processes."

Officials said that engineers from the Texas Department of Transportation will "inspect the roadway and determine if there is damage." The bridge will remain closed until further notice.

This incident comes about seven weeks after a ship crashed into the Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, where six construction workers were killed.

*This is an ongoing story and will be updated accordingly. Refresh for the latest!

Kristina Shriver
Director of Our Community Now. When not writing or reading, Kristina likes to dance like no one is watching and enjoys speaking in vague movie references/quotes, which only a select few in her circle truly understand. A huge nerd, she loves attending comic book conventions (in costume, of course!) and engaging in geek-fueled conversations with anyone who is willing to listen to her ramble. She also dedicates her spare time to supporting various mental health organizations.
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