Oil Spill in Southeast Texas After Barge Hits Bridge Near Galveston

GALVESTON, Texas (KPEL News) - Authorities have shut down a bridge to a small island north of Galveston after a barge struck it, causing structural damage and an oil spill.

The oil spill occurred at Pelican Island Bridge, which is the only bridge to Pelican Island, which is just to Galveston's north. According to authorities, that bridge is closed to traffic at this time while the bridge is inspected and the oil spill is contained.

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The bridge was struck by a barge around 9:30 a.m., according to Galveston's Office of Emergency Management.

"Emergency management officials from the City of Galveston, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and the state – as well as Galveston fire and police departments, U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Department of Transportation – are responding to the incident," the department said. "Galveston police officers are in the area detouring traffic."

"The collision has resulted in an oil spill in the bay," the statement also noted. "The U.S. Coast Guard is responding and will determine the extent of the spill, as well as initiate the containment and cleanup processes. Engineers from the Texas Department of Transportation are also enroute to inspect the roadway and determine if there is damage. The bridge will remain closed until it is deemed safe to use. The City of Galveston will provide updates about this as information becomes available."

Footage from the incident shows the spill is making its way further into the bay.

There were no reported injuries, according to authorities. However, Pelican Island is inaccessible to car traffic.