Alton casino closes after barge accident

ALTON -- An Illinois casino near St. Louis is closed for repairs after two barges broke loose in the icy Mississippi River and struck part of the casino.

The Argosy Alton Casino closed Saturday and at least part of Sunday.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports early Saturday morning that ice in the river snapped a steel cable that secures the two barges.

The two protective barges struck other barges that are part of the casino.

Casino vice president and general manager Rich Laudon says there were no injuries and no apparent damage.

On Sunday, Laudon hopes that a tug boat arrives to push the two errant barges back into position so that the casino can reopen.

The casino, known as the Alton Belle, was the first riverboat casino to open in Illinois.