KTSM News – BREAKING: Workers trapped on island following barge-bridge collision

GALVESTON (KIAH) – Workers on Galveston Island said they are trapped after a barge hit the bridge connecting Pelican Island to the mainland. The bridge is closed off to all vehicular travel after a barge collision at 10 a.m. There is only one way on and one way off Pelican Island. Galveston police are in the area helping detour traffic.

A tugboat works to maneuver a barge away from the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after the barge crashed into the bridge shutting down the only road access to and from the island. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

Members of the Galveston Saltwater Fishing group said that debris from the bridge fell onto the barge. There were no injuries reported. However, the collision caused an oil spill that the U.S. Coast Guard responded to and are determining the extent of the spill. They will also initiate the containment and cleanup process.

The incident is currently being handled by emergency management officials from the City of Galveston, Texas A&M University at Galveston, as well as, Galveston fire and police departments, U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Department of Transportation.

A tugboat works to maneuver a barge away from the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after the barge crashed into the bridge spilling oil into surrounding waters and shutting down the only road access to and from the island. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

The Texas Department of Transportation is in route to inspect the roadways for damage. The bridge will remain closed until it is deemed safe.

More information regarding the bridges reopening will be provided by the City of Galveston as it becomes available.

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