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Photos: 15 barges involved in Burlington crash

Eight barges broke apart when more than a dozen crashed beneath a railroad bridge over the Mississippi River in Burlington, Iowa.
barges hit bridge in Burlington 7-1-13 (WQAD Photo)
Photos: 15 barges involved in Burlington crash

Eight barges broke apart when more than a dozen crashed into a protective barrier beneath the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bridge over the Mississippi River in Burlington, Iowa.

A spokesperson for the railroad said the crash happened at about 6 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2013.  Fifteen barges were involved, and eight of them broke apart after the impact.

The barges struck the protection cell, which is a protective fender that helps to prevent direct impact with bridge support structures.

The railroad spokesperson said there was no structural damage to the bridge, and railroad traffic resumed on the bridge by about 9 a.m.

Crews were continuing to work to clear the wreckage late Monday afternoon.  It was unclear how long it would take to clear the wrecked barges.

There were no hazardous materials involved and no injuries reported.

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