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Mississippi River reopens after massive barge traffic jam

Coast guard sealST. LOUIS (AP) — The Mississippi River has been reopened to traffic after more than 100 barges broke loose just north of the Jefferson Barracks Memorial Arch Bridge near St. Louis.

St. Louis media outlets report the U.S. Coast Guard said the barges became loose around 7 a.m. Saturday and were rounded up several hours later. The river reopened to traffic just after 4 p.m.

No injuries or significant damage were reported.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Jonathan Berry said backup of traffic was minimal, and many vessels assisted in securing the barges.

According to Berry, how the barges got loose is under investigation.

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