–after tug, barge from construction site of new river bridge crashes into four buoys, two pontoons on southern side of existing structure

–Minister Edghill says investigation will be conducted today to determine cause of incident, avoid future occurrences

A tug and a barge being used at the construction site of the new Demerara River Bridge drifted and crashed into the Demerara Harbour Bridge Sunday night.

The incident which occurred around 19:30 hrs, affected the bridge’s operations, sparking immediate response efforts from authorities.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, who was at the scene, said: “A motor tug and barge which has been engaged at the construction site of the New Demerara River Bridge drifted and came in contact with four buoys and two pontoons to the southern section of the current Demerara Harbour Bridge.”

While the collision did not render the DHB out of service, the minister said it prompted concerns regarding traffic flow and safety measures.

Responding swiftly, various teams including the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) were mobilised to address the situation.

Minister Edghill assured the public that traffic was still flowing albeit with controlled measures in place to minimise disruption.

He highlighted that efforts were underway to allow for marine vessels to cross by 4:00 hrs on Monday, mitigating further impact on traffic.

MARAD Chief Pilot, Lindsay Baird provided insights into the tide conditions, explaining that it “ takes approximately an hour on this spring for it to turn. At that time, when there is a jack tide when it is at its weakest, that is when the operation will take place.”

Plans were laid out for the removal of the barge once tide conditions were optimal, with a tug on standby for the manoeuvre.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Wayne Watson, reassured the public of the safety of transiting and ongoing programmes.

“At this time, we can safely say that it is safe for transiting and all of our programmes. At this initial stage, we can conclude that there will be a minimal obstruction to traffic either river or vehicle traffic along the bridge,” he said.

Minister Eghilll said an investigation will be launched on Monday to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

He also said that no injuries were reported.