Biloxi Bridge Out After Barge Bump

It's a little strange to see the Popps Ferry bridge out of commission, without a major storm to go with it.

“Big crashing sound and they waves were pretty big in the harbor where all the boats are at too,” says Matt Storr. He lives nearby and heard the commotion at about 7:30 this morning when a gravel barge hit the bridge.

“At that time of the day this bridge is usually packed with people going to school, going to work, getting their day started,” says Father Joe Dilettuso. He also lives nearby. Witnesses say the section fell flat into the Back Bay, taking the bridge tender's truck but leaving everyone unharmed.

“Nobody was injured there was no pollution and everything's safe and stable at this point,” says US Coast Guard Petty Officer Tom Atkeson. He says it'll take a week just to clear the waterway. No word on when the bridge might be back open and that means a longer drive to get to where you're going.

“I have to head east so I definitely use the Popps Ferry Bridge to and from work everyday with traffic and everything it's going to add a half hour to 40 minutes,” says Matt Storr. Local officials say the bridge was closed for four months following Hurricane Katrina. Biloxi spokesman Vincent Creel says wind may have forced the barge into the bridge, contributing to the accident. The cause is still under investigation.