The Oklahoma State Patrol has taken the decision to shut down a highway following a barge collision with the US-59 Bridge over the Arkansas River. Traffic is being redirected away from the vicinity, south of Sallisaw, until the structure undergoes necessary inspections, as stated by the state highway service on social media.
According to patrol spokesperson Sarah Stewart, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from the incident involving the barge and the bridge. The cause of the collision remains unknown, with footage capturing the moment of impact between the barge and the bridge supports.
This occurrence follows closely after the tragic incident involving the cargo hauler MV Dali, which caused the complete collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, leading to six fatalities. Efforts are currently underway to clear the bridge debris and the cargo hauler, hindering marine traffic in the port city and potentially incurring a significant repair cost.
