Two die when helicopter crashes into a barge in the Mississippi River
Share and Follow


EAST ALTON, Ill. (AP) — A helicopter flying over the Mississippi River ran into a powerline Thursday, then crashed into a barge and sparked a fire, killing two people, officials said.

The two dead were flying in the helicopter and there were no other reported injuries in the crash near East Alton, Illinois, said Cpl. Dallas Thompson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. East Alton is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of St. Louis.

The state patrol said no one was on the barge when the crash happened, and the fire has been extinguished. The river has been closed to commercial traffic.

The helicopter ran into a powerline and crashed around 11 a.m. Thursday on the Mississippi River about half a mile (800 meters) downriver from the Alton Dam, said Rivers Pointe Fire District Chief Rick Pender.

Fire, emergency medical and law enforcement personnel responded to the crash. Federal agencies are on the way, Pender said. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

Video provided to KMOV-TV by a witness shows a black plume of smoke rising from the barge.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Most Americans believe the shutdown will last two weeks or less: Survey

Survey Finds Majority of Americans Expect Shutdown to End in Two Weeks or Less

A new poll shows most Americans say they believe the government shutdown…
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Trump is set to federalize the state's National Guard

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Claims Trump Plans to Take Control of State’s National Guard

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Saturday said he was informed by the…
Israel agrees to 'initial withdrawal line' in Gaza, Trump says

Israel Agrees to Preliminary Gaza Withdrawal Line, Announces Trump

President Trump declared on Saturday that Israel has consented to an “initial…
Inside Emma Watson's sheltered life of luxury at Oxford

Exploring Emma Watson’s Luxurious and Private Oxford Experience

As one of the older students at Oxford University, Emma Watson, the…
Donald Trump administration seeking to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard members amid Chicago ICE raids: Gov. JB Pritzker

Trump Administration Aims to Deploy 300 Illinois National Guard Members for Chicago ICE Raids: Gov. JB Pritzker

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Trump administration is looking to federalize 300 members…
Trump announces Israel agrees to Gaza 'initial withdrawal line' as '3,000 year catastrophe' nears end

Trump announces Israel agrees to Gaza ‘initial withdrawal line’ as ‘3,000 year catastrophe’ nears end

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Donald Trump on…
Bet $50, get $250 in FanCash

Wager $50 and Receive $250 in FanCash

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Estate near Mar-a-Lago with tunnel to the ocean on sale for $85M

Ocean-Access Estate Near Mar-a-Lago Listed for $85M

If you’ve been looking for a Florida estate with its own secret tunnel…