Another US bridge struck by a train

admin

Imagine a peaceful day on the US-59 highway, when suddenly, chaos ensues. A cargo train collides with the road bridge that spans the Arkansas River, causing authorities in Oklahoma to completely shut down the highway. This incident occurred on March 30th, and law enforcement officers are redirecting traffic towards the south of Sallisaw, ensuring the safety of motorists while the bridge’s structure is thoroughly inspected.

No reports have been released regarding casualties on the bridge or the cargo train involved in the collision, according to Sarah Stewart, a spokesperson for the patrol team. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation Highways Division posted on social media that the closure is necessary to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the bridge’s integrity.

Bridge Damaged by Train
Taken by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the cargo train damaged in the incident. Image source: Business Today

The exact cause of the incident remains unidentified. However, a video circulating on social media shows the moment of impact between the train and the bridge pier. This shocking incident occurs less than a week after the MV Dali cargo ship collided with and caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in the loss of six lives. On March 26th, the cargo ship struck one of the supporting piers of the 2.6-kilometer structure, sending the bridge crashing into the river, along with vehicles and residents unfortunate enough to be in its path.

Closed US-59 Highway Bridge
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol closing the US-59 highway bridge after the train collision. Image source: Business Today

Efforts are underway to clear the debris weighing down the MV Dali cargo ship. Unfortunately, while the cargo ship and bridge debris continue to obstruct traffic, the bustling port city of Baltimore is unable to resume its maritime operations—an industry of vital importance to the region. Skilled teams are now working on cutting and removing metal sections of the bridge, with the first phase of demolition anticipated to be completed on March 30th.

Read more:  JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon: AI is Here to Stay and Will Transform Every Job

The Washington Post estimates that the construction of an entirely new bridge can potentially cost up to $1 billion. This incident serves as a reminder that maintaining and updating critical infrastructure remains a pressing concern for authorities, ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation networks.

For more information on this incident and other finance and economic news, visit Business Today.