Barge drifts briefly near I-40 bridge

(Muskogee-AP) -- A barge drifted out of control on the Arkansas River near the Interstate 40 bridge for a short time this morning. <br/><br/>Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lieutenant Patricia Clinton says the

Tuesday, July 13th 2004, 9:52 am

By: News On 6

(Muskogee-AP) -- A barge drifted out of control on the Arkansas River near the Interstate 40 bridge for a short time this morning.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lieutenant Patricia Clinton says the barge's owner got the craft under control before it threatened the bridge near Webbers Falls.

Clinton says the barge drifted about a mile north of the bridge and troopers were standing by, ready to close the bridge if the barge continued drifting.

Fourteen people died in May 2002 when a barge crashed into the bridge, causing it to collapse and sending cars and trucks plunging into the river.