An unmanned barge carrying a "base petroleum product" crashed into a Texas bridge, sparking an oil spill in Galveston Bay.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed it's examining the extent of the Wednesday morning spill that triggered the partial collapse of a rail line along the Pelican Island Bridge and caused Texas A&M University at Galveston to temporarily lose power.
Galveston, Texas, is about 50 miles outside of Houston.
"The barge is still afloat but approximately 5,000 - 6,000 gallons of vacuum gas oil (VGO) have spilled with a potential release of 23,000 barrels," the Texas General Land Office said, according to Rep. Terri Leo Wilson. "The spill is not secured because exposed power lines have fallen on the barge's deck. No injuries are reported as the barge, owned by Martin Midstream, appears to have been unmanned and possibly broke free."
Authorities said two barge crew members jumped into the bay and were rescued, KRIV-TV reported.
"People have asked if this is like the Baltimore bridge," Galveston Fire Department spokesperson Marissa Barnett said, according to NBC News. "This is not that."
The bridge is closed, however there are no restrictions to commerce.
