Barge Collision Causes Oil Spill and Road Closure in Galveston, Texas

A barge collided with a bridge pillar in Galveston, Texas, causing an oil spill and closing the only road to Pelican Island. The accident occurred when a tugboat operator lost control of two barges due to strong currents and high tide. One man fell into the water but was unharmed. The collision damaged the bridge and shut down a stretch of waterway for cleanup. Experts believe the accident will not cause significant economic disruptions as it happened in a lesser-used waterway. The bridge was rated "Poor" and scheduled for replacement in 2025. The Texas Department of Transportation spent over $12 million on maintenance and repairs in the past decade.