Around 67 barges broke loose on the Ohio River Saturday, according Murray Energy River Operations officials.
At least one of the barges sank, according to officials.
WEATHER ALERT: @LizKilmerTV spoke to an official about the ice and trapped barges on the Ohio River at the Emsworth Locks and Dams. #WXPI pic.twitter.com/9iNfKXqCKW
— Gigi (@wpxigigi) January 13, 2018
Officials said 27 barges broke out of Jack's Run Mile 4 on the Ohio River and are against the Emsworth Locks and Dams. They were pushed down the river by sheets of ice.
Officials estimate that five barges went over the dam gates.
Here’s a panorama showing how much ice is lodged behind the stuck barges. Unbelievable. Officials believe the barges are too crammed for more to go through dam. At least one has sunk. I’m live from the scene in minutes @WPXI pic.twitter.com/1OStupPcr7
— Liz Kilmer (@LizKilmerWPXI) January 13, 2018
Around 35-40 barges also broke loose out of R&F/ Boggs Island Mile 93 on the Ohio River, according to officials. Some of them were as far as Moundsville Bridge.
The Coast Guard said it has secured 38 of the barges.
Many of the barges are believed to be empty, but some are carrying coal and cement.
We’re told some barges are empty, some have coal. Looks like ice on the river caused them to break free somewhere upstream. Witnesses say five went through the dam. These two are beached. Only @wpxi live from the observational deck pic.twitter.com/P0HFC5u76j
— Liz Kilmer (@LizKilmerWPXI) January 13, 2018
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