Loose Construction Barge Whisked Down Raging Potomac River
A construction barge carrying an excavator and other equipment was knocked loose and swept down the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, on May 8, after recent heavy rains flooded the river.
According to local media, two unattended barges broke loose and drifted miles down the Upper Potomac River. The larger barge, seen in the video, broke free on Saturday night and a second barge detached on Sunday afternoon as floodwaters rose further.
As of Monday afternoon, crews continued to try to pull the larger barge ashore. It is held in place near dam 3 in Harpers Ferry.
Video taken by Matt Knott shows the barge float past the River Riders campground as spectators look on. Credit: Matt Knott via Storyful
Video Transcript
- Matt, oh my God. Hold on. Matt. You know, I'm kind of scared. I'm kind of scared. [INAUDIBLE]
- Oh, man, is this where it's going to be? That can't be where it ends. I mean, it is. [INAUDIBLE]
- Matt, oh my God. Hold on. Matt. You know, I'm kind of scared. I'm kind of scared. [INAUDIBLE]
- Oh, man, is this where it's going to be? That can't be where it ends. I mean, it is. [INAUDIBLE]
