Thousands of motorists stranded marine, vehicular traffic halted as Harbour Bridge slammed by runaway tug and barge

Thousands of motorists were left stranded Monday morning on the West Bank of Demerara after a barge and tug, helped by a strong current, drifted down the river and slammed into the Demerara Harbour Bridge, just after midnight. The bridge, which was shifted out of alignment, was closed for emergency repairs, with vehicular and marine traffic halted.

It will take a number of days before normalcy to resume, with light traffic, barring any unforeseen circumstances, expected to be allowed by tomorrow, authorities said. It is estimated that more than 100,000 persons who either work or conduct business in the city, are living in the West Demerara area. Emergency measures involving the police and other law enforcement officials were put into place to deal with the crowds who rushed to the aging speedboat stelling at Vreed-en-Hoop. Compounding the situation was that yesterday was the start of the new school year. Monday afternoon, the crowds had swelled, with children caught in the confusion. There was a frustrating backup for hours on the West Bank public road with drivers blaring their horns in frustration in the morning. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during a midday press conference at the Peter’s Hall headquarters of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, disclosed that the crewmen and captain who sent out ‘May Day’ calls were all taken into custody and are being questioned.

The crewmen initially claimed that the barge and tug broke loose of their anchor and drifted from the Diamond area. Pulled by the tide, it slammed into the floating bridge at two different points, breaking critical suspensions. A section of the bridge immediately separated leaving a lone car, driven by a woman, in the opening that was created. Fortunately, the woman was able to exit, badly shaken with the car suffering significant damage. Minister Patterson said that there will be emergency measures and temporary river lights to allow speedboats to operate beyond the normal time until 10pm. Four vessels have been placed on standby to transport passengers for emergency situations.

The situation has brought into sharp focus the critical importance of that one bridge which has been in existence for 41 years. Patterson disclosed that local and international technical personnel are currently assessing bid documents for investors in relation to a new bridge that has been earmarked to be located at Houston. (Kaieteur News)