ALTON, Illinois — A tragic scene unfolded late Wednesday morning when a helicopter working on power lines crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River, killing two people. The fatal incident occurred near the Lewis and Clark Bridge, close to West Alton, Missouri, and drew a massive response from multiple emergency agencies.
According to the St. Charles County Ambulance District, first responders rushed to the Missouri side of the river after reports of a helicopter down. Initial findings indicate the aircraft struck power lines before attempting to land on a barge. Moments later, the helicopter erupted into flames, scattering debris across the area.
The Alton Fire Department confirmed that both people aboard the helicopter died at the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the crash happened at approximately 11:05 a.m. Officials from the Missouri State Highway Patrol stated that the helicopter was carrying workers assigned to maintain aviation warning markers — the large orange spheres seen on power lines — as well as perform other power line repairs.
Investigators believe the rotorcraft made contact with one of the high-tension wires, severing it and sending it tumbling into the river below. An eyewitness described the horrific moment:
“The helicopter, all of a sudden, touched the power line and in two seconds, it wasn’t a helicopter anymore — it was a thousand pieces. All you saw was a fiery ball that came across the river and landed on the Missouri-side barge.”
Utility company Ameren confirmed in a statement that the victims were a contractor and subcontractor hired to replace tower lighting and marker balls on lines in Madison County. The company expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences to the families and pledging full cooperation with investigators.
As a result of the crash, the Illinois State Police temporarily closed the Lewis and Clark Bridge, and no timeline for reopening has been provided. The U.S. Coast Guard has also shut down a section of the Upper Mississippi River to vessel traffic while a safety and pollution control team works on scene.
Authorities from multiple agencies, including the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are now investigating the cause of the crash. The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending family notification.