Bridge Collapse

1:51 p.m.
- The Coast Guard says the barges were carrying loaded rock.
- The first two barges were damaged. One barge has sunk and the other is listing because of the weight of the collapsed bridge. The tanks on the listing barge have been inspected for leaks and it is not taking on water.
- Initial reports show that the master of the towing vessel was properly licensed.

1:05 p.m.
- Officials say one barge sank and a second appeared to be taking on water.

12:20 p.m.
The Coast Guard says it got a call from the Department of Marine Resources in Mississippi around 7:40 a.m. reporting that a section of the Popps Ferry Bridge had collapsed after it was hit by the Cheryl Stegbauer, which was towing eight barges.

Coast Guard Station Gulfport and Station Pascagoula launched 25-foot smallboats and crews to the scene. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans sent a rescue helicopter and crew along with an HC-144A Ocean Sentry plane from the Aviation Training Center in Mobile to assist.

There have been no reports of injuries.

8:25 a.m.
A spokesperson from the Harrison County Sheriff's Office says a barge hit the Popps Ferry Bridge in Biloxi early this morning.

We're told the bridge has extensive damage and that a section is missing.
A car fell into the water, but no one was inside.

Both sides of the bridge are closed on Popps Ferry Road.

Stay tuned to WKRG.com and WKRG News 5 for more information on this story.