In late August, 2 barges were accidentally set free from a tugboat and drifted down the Arkansas River in Little Rock, eventually crashing into a pedestrian bridge and the Interstate 30 bridge. The bridges were shut down in order to assess their stability and safety, but were shortly thereafter reopened.
Similar collisions have led to tragic results in the past. In May of 2002, a barge struck a bridge, a piece of which later collapsed, killing 14 people. Authorities inspected the bridges that were struck in this instance, but deemed them safe enough to travel.
Bridges are only inspected ever 2 years, more frequently if the need arises. Many bridges in the area have protection systems designed to protect the integrity of the bridge in case of a collision such as this one.
Have you been injured in a barge accident? If so, contact the offshore accident attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP. There are innumerable ways in which barge accidents can occur. From collisions with subsequent consequences as in this case, to more common accidents in which a worker is thrown from a barge or injured while employed aboard a barge. Our attorneys can provide immediate help. Contact us today.
1,129 Replies to “Two Barges Collide with Bridges in Arkansas”
Comments are closed.