NJ bridge reopens after getting rammed by runaway barge

SALEM, N.J. (WPVI) -- Things are slowly getting back to normal after a barge accident caused major headaches for residents in two South Jersey towns.

Authorities are trying to determine what caused the barge to break free around 10 a.m. Sunday and hit the Veterans of Salem County Memorial Bridge. The span was soon shut down, so officials could determine if it had been damaged, but no issues were found and it reopened late Sunday afternoon.

According to the Coast Guard, one person on the barge had to be rescued and transported to a local hospital with an arm injury.

The bridge carries Route 49 - a main route for travelers going to and from the Jersey Shore - between Salem City and Pennsville Township.

Officials say the temporary closure caused some traffic problems in the area.

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Information from The Associated press was used in the writing of this post.