LOUISIANA, (FOX44) — The Mississippi River is a mess today after a weekend barge accident closed a portion of the river to all waterway traffic.

The accident happened early Sunday when a tug pushing two tank barges hit a railroad bridge, causing one of the barges to rupture.

The vessel leaked light crude into the waterway; there is no word on how much. Crews have been working around the clock skimming the oily water.

As of this afternoon, 16 miles of the river is still shut down, with almost 47 vessels backed up, waiting for it to reopen.