Two barges loaded with construction equipment broke free on the Potomac River on May 8 because of heavy rains and high water. They started floating down the river out of control, before they were caught up in the river and held in place before reaching Harper’s Ferry, Maryland State Police reported.
The barges, originally moored in the Williamsport/Burkesville area, held construction equipment for the National Park Service’s work on Towpath Trail.
Police say the smaller barge got hung up in the river and is no longer loose.
The larger barge floated down the river a further distance, headed toward the D.C. area. Police say it hit a Norfolk Railway bridge. It was caught up later on the West Virginia side of the river just before Harper’s Ferry.
