ALTON, Ill. — Tragedy struck on Thursday morning, August 7, when a Hughes 369D helicopter collided with a docked barge on the Mississippi River near Melvin Price Lock and Dam No. 26, resulting in the deaths of two contractors working on transmission line maintenance. One of the victims has been identified as Cody Curry, an employee of Edwardsville-based J.F. Electric.
The catastrophic crash occurred just after 11 a.m., sending thick black smoke billowing over the river and triggering a rapid multi-agency emergency response.
Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Fischer described the scene as chaotic and urgent upon arrival. “We quickly deployed boats and resources to assess the situation amid the heavy smoke rising from the river,” Fischer said.
The helicopter, operated by Ameren contractors, struck a barge carrying ethylene glycol—a chemical commonly used in antifreeze and coolants. Thankfully, the barge was unmanned at the time, and no hazardous materials were reported to have leaked into the river.
Ameren released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident: “We are heartbroken by today’s tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and colleagues of the victims. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations.”
J.F. Electric also expressed its condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to the loved ones and coworkers affected by this terrible loss. We are working closely with authorities as they review the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”
The impact caused the helicopter to ignite immediately. A nearby towboat, the Donna F. Furlong from the Hines Furlong Line fleet, responded swiftly and used its onboard water cannon to extinguish the fire within an hour.
The crash site, located in a river area accessible only by water, posed significant logistical challenges for rescue and investigation teams. Fire departments from Alton, East Alton, Wood River, and Spanish Lake (MO) collaborated with Alton Fire Department’s Marine 1 unit to manage the response.
Federal agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched coordinated investigations into the crash.
A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed no pollution was detected following the incident. The Mississippi River was temporarily closed to vessel traffic between mile markers 199 and 201 shortly after the crash but was reopened later the same evening with a safety zone still enforced between mile markers 199.5 and 200.5.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol also temporarily shut down the Clark Bridge as a safety precaution, reopening it within two hours. Nearby, the National Great Rivers Museum was evacuated and remained closed for the day.
Local officials expressed their heartbreak over the loss. Alton Mayor David Goins called the incident “horrific” and extended condolences to the families and community affected. U.S. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski shared on social media, “This news is deeply heartbreaking. My thoughts remain with all those impacted, and I will be monitoring the situation closely.”
As investigations continue, authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the second victim, pending formal notification of next of kin.
This tragic accident underscores the inherent risks faced by contractors maintaining vital infrastructure in challenging environments. The community mourns the loss of two dedicated professionals who tragically lost their lives while ensuring essential services.