Barge collision collapses Galveston bridge, triggers oil spill

A barge collision caused a partial collapse of a Galveston bridge, leading to an oil spill and the closure of the only road to Pelican Island.

Juan Lozano and Lekan Oyekanmi report for The Associated Press.

In short:

• A barge hit the Pelican Island Causeway Bridge, causing partial collapse and oil spillage into nearby waters.
• The accident halted access to Pelican Island and led to a cleanup effort but is not expected to cause major economic disruptions.
• The bridge, built in 1960 and rated in poor condition, was scheduled for replacement in 2025.

Key quote:

"The current was very bad, and the tide was high. He lost it."

— David Flores, bridge superintendent, Galveston County Navigation District

Why this matters:

The incident shows the risks associated with aging infrastructure and the potential environmental impact of oil spills, emphasizing the need for timely maintenance and upgrades to prevent similar occurrences. Read more: Source of pride and pollution: Balancing energy needs and community health.