Helicopter crash on Mississippi River kills two

Two people died in a helicopter crash on a barge in Alton, Illinois.

Helicopter crash on Mississippi River barge results in two fatalities

A helicopter crash near Alton, Illinois, has left two individuals dead. The incident occurred around 11:05 a.m. when the helicopter was attempting to perform work on nearby power lines. First responders reported the aircraft collided with a power wire, leading to a crash on a barge on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. Witnesses described seeing a fiery explosion as the helicopter crashed and burst into flames. Ameren, the utility company involved, stated that the incident occurred while a contractor was working on repairs for tower lighting and markers on power lines. The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the Upper Mississippi River to vessel traffic as investigations proceed.

This tragic incident sheds light on the risks involved in aerial work, particularly when it intersects with infrastructure maintenance. The use of helicopters for such tasks is not uncommon, but accidents like this raise concerns about safety protocols and oversight within the aviation and utility industries. While no power outages occurred due to the crash, the impact on families and the local community will be significant in the days to come.

Highlights

Details are still unfolding as investigators assess the scene and gather more information.