Barge Crashes Into Bridge, Causing Partial Collapse and Oil Spill

Back in March, a shipping barge crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the death of six people and a cleanup effort that is still ongoing. Less than two months later, a port in Texas is experiencing a similar incident. 

On May 15, a barge crashed into the Pelican Island Causeway in Galveston, causing a partial collapse of the structure and an oil spill in Galveston Bay. It’s the only bridge connecting the island to the rest of the city, and though it didn’t come down completely as the one in Baltimore did, it still cut off an essential artery for the area as it remains closed for inspection. 

Officials quickly jumped into action after the collision. According to the Galveston Office of Emergency Management, the barge is owned by Martin Petroleum caused a temporary power outage on Pelican Island. Emergency management and state officials, as well as members of the Galveston police and fire departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Texas Department of Transportation have all responded to the scene. 

At approximately 10:00am, a barge owned by Martin Petroleum collided with the Pelican Island Bridge that connects Galveston Island to Pelican Island. Power was temporarily interrupted to Pelican Island, which is home to Texas A&M Galveston. Secondary power has been restored. pic.twitter.com/5zTOs2ODIb

— Galveston County OEM (@galvcountyoem) May 15, 2024

The Coast Guard is handling the spill and determining the “containment and cleanup processes” to move forward. The Galveston Office of Emergency Management confirmed that vacuum gas oil, often used in transportation fuels, is in the water and that about six and a half miles of intracoastal waterway nearby has been closed. In total, the barge can carry 30,000 gallons, though the exact amount that has leaked into the bay is unknown. 

Vacuum gas oil from the barge has been visually confirmed in the water, causing a closing of the Intracoastal Waterway from Mile Marker 350.5 to Mile Marker 357, approximately 6.5 miles. The capacity of the barge is 30,000 gallons and the amount that has leaked out is unknown.

— Galveston County OEM (@galvcountyoem) May 15, 2024

Footage from KHOU shows the extent of the damage. Part of the causeway’s train trestle came down on the ship, though the part of the bridge with roadway meant for vehicles is seemingly intact. 

Residents in the area are advised to stay tuned for updates from local officials.