Several barges broke loose on the Monongahela River early yesterday, threatening to tie up river traffic for several hours.

Around 2 a.m., six barges broke off from a boat that was hauling 10 barges east from Pittsburgh to Clairton Steel, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Officials said the barges, which were loaded with coal, wound up wrapped around a railroad bridge near the mile six marker along the Mon River. Officials rounded up the barges by 7:30 a.m. and were able to salvage them.

CSX railroad officials inspected the bridge and reported no damage.