Some runaway barges removed, others still underwater in Mon River
Three coal-filled barges sank and about a dozen others were corralled after they broke loose on the Monongahela River, colliding with bridges as they floated downstream Thursday afternoon.
Cleanup work continued Friday, as Pittsburgh's Action News 4 saw three barges being removed from the water in the Homestead area. Three others remained underwater; the remaining nine had been recovered and tied up.
Sky 4 video showed crews continuing to work to secure the remaining loose barges. Coal was seen spilling into the river as two of the barges sunk.
The Rankin and Homestead Grays bridges have reopened to traffic after being struck by three barges.
Allegheny County Emergency Services deployed a rescue boat to find the sunken barges, using side scan sonar equipment.
The Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard were notified and requested to assist with wrangling the barges.
"CSX bridge inspectors are assessing the condition of the railroad bridge over the Monongahela River after reported barge strikes this afternoon," CSX said Thursday. "Safety is our top priority. Preliminary inspections indicate the bridge has some aesthetic damage, but is structurally safe for train traffic."