The authorities in Pittsburgh closed several bridges as a precaution after 26 barges loaded with coal broke loose on the Ohio River late Friday, drifting miles downstream and damaging a marina, as a flood warning was in effect for the river. There is a risk that the barges could come into contact with the “substructure” of one of the bridges, the McKees Rocks Bridge, the McKees Rocks Police Department said in a statement early Saturday confirming its closure. While floating down the river, the barges caused “extensive damage” to a marina near Brunot Island, the city said. At least 11 barges were found and pinned against a riverbank near the island and held by a tugboat, the city said. But others continued downstream, with six going over the Emsworth Dam, about five miles farther.

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Persons: “ Organizations: McKees Rocks Police Department, Campbell Transportation Company Locations: Pittsburgh, Ohio, Brunot, Emsworth