:format(jpeg):focal(905x845:915x835)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gfrmedia/AN3KO2EDCNAYRLXMVRVEW5S2PY.jpg "Highway closed in Oklahoma after barge hits bridge")
SALLISAW, Okla. – The Oklahoma State Patrol closed a section of US South 59 south of Sallisaw on Saturday after a barge struck a bridge over the Arkansas River. The incident occurred around 1:25 p.m., prompting troopers to divert traffic from the area, according to state patrol spokeswoman Sarah Stewart. The bridge, which spans the Arkansas River as it flows into the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, will remain closed until it can be thoroughly inspected.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the collision between the barge and the bridge. The cause of the impact is currently unknown and under investigation by authorities.
In a related incident, engineers in Maryland began efforts to remove debris from the Baltimore Bridge after a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River. The collapse was triggered by a massive cargo ship crashing into one of the bridge’s main supports. The cleanup operation is underway as officials work to assess the extent of the damage and restore navigation on the river.
Stay tuned for updates on both incidents as authorities continue their investigations and work towards resolving the aftermath of these accidents.