|
Occurrence Date: |
26 May, 2002 |
|
Location: |
Muskogee, OK |
| NRC Report Number: | 606422 |
|
Source: |
Unknown |
|
Material: |
Unknown |
|
Severity: |
Unknown |
|
Quantity Discharged: |
Unknown |
|
Quantity in Water: |
Unknown |
|
Body of Water Affected: |
Arkansas River |
|
Federal On-Scene Coordinator: |
NTSB |
| Description: At 7:45am local time two empty barges being pushed by a tow boat struck the Interstate 40 bridge. A 400 foot section of the bridge fell into the Arkansas River along with several cars and tractor trailers. The exact number of vehicles in the river is unknown at this time. The media is reporting that at least five people have been injured. There has not been any report of a hazmat spill from any of the vehicles in the water. The United States Coast Guard, fire department and state police are on scene. As of 29 May the waterway remains closed for three miles on either side of the bridge. The search has been suspended and demolition work will commence. A total of 14 bodies have been recovered. The Captain of the Port estimates that it will take at least two weeks before the waterway can be reopened. CASE CLOSED. |
|