Shelter-in-place lifted for part of Houston Ship Channel

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A part of the Houston Ship Channel was closed for a couple of hours after a barge smashed into another barge late Wednesday morning, according to the Coast Guard.

Shortly before noon, the Coast Guard responded to reports of the leaking barge in the upper portion of the Houston Ship Channel. The barge, which belongs to the Kirby Company, was reportedly leaking the lightweight and highly evaporating chemical naphtha. An estimated 100 to 200 barrels -- or 4,000 to 8,00 gallons of the chemical -- are estimated to have leaked before it was plugged.

A shelter in place was put in effect for about a non-residential area for about a half-mile, according to the Coast Guard. The entire ship channel was reopened shortly after 2pm.

The vessel is moored at a Chevron-owned facility right now.

No injuries were reported.