Three Recovering from Barge Collision

COVINGTON, Tenn. - Three barge workers are recovering from injuries sustained in a barge collision on the Mississippi River near Covington Monday night.

According to Tipton County EMA Director Tommy Dunavant, the three workers were transported to the hospital with respiratory problems. One victim has been treated and released, and the other two victims are expected to be released sometime Tuesday.

The damaged barge was transporting Acrylonitrile, a strong-smelling chemical compound used in plastics. Dunavant added that the collision site has been stabilized, and the barge company is sending another barge to offload the damaged unit.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation.