Barge breakaway closes Mississippi River near St. Louis

(CHICAGO) — The Mississippi River was closed to vessel traffic north of St. Louis on Wednesday after barges carrying corn broke free from their tow and struck a river lock, Reuters reported. the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said.

The accident took place at Lock and Dam 25 at Winfield, Mo., and involved a vessel towing 12 barges south on the river, said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Scott Ross.

Workers were inspecting damage at the lock, and the Army Corps of Engineers estimated it would reopen to traffic at about 3 p.m. CDT.

Recovery of the barges was expected to start on Thursday and could last several days, according to the Army Corps. The lock will be closed during the recovery operations.

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By Professional Mariner Staff