Barges hit bridge at Baton Rouge

Published 12:01 am Sunday, May 15, 2011

BATON ROUGE (AP) — A highway bridge over the Mississippi River that was struck by two runaway barges has been re-opened after inspectors gave it a safety check.

The U.S. Highway 190 bridge at Baton Rouge was opened around 4 p.m., hours after the Saturday afternoon accident, according to state transportation department spokeswoman Jodi Conachen.

Twenty-five barges under tow on the Mississippi River broke loose north of the bridge.

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What caused the barges to break loose was not clear. Coast Guard Petty Officer Casey Ranel said they all have been contained and no injuries were reported.