Helicopter crash on Mississippi River barge kills 2 near Alton, Illinois

First responders say the helicopter had people on board who were trying to do work on nearby power lines before hitting one and crashing.

ALTON, Ill. — First responders are on the scene of a fatal helicopter crash near Alton, Illinois.

The St. Charles County Ambulance District told 5 On Your Side that officials are at the scene of the crash. The helicopter appears to have crashed onto a barge on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River.

Alton Fire Department officials confirmed that two people died in the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash happened at around 11:05 a.m.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers said the helicopter had workers on board who were trying to do work on power lines near aviation warning markers, which are the orange spheres on power lines. The aircraft reportedly hit a power wire and knocked it loose into the river. The helicopter attempted to land on the barge before it burst into flames.

“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,” an eyewitness of the crash told 5 On Your Side. “All you saw was a fiery ball that came across the river and landed on the Missouri-side barge.”

Ameren confirmed that a contractor and its subcontractor were repairing and replacing tower lighting and the marker balls on lines in Madison County. No power outages are associated with the incident.

“We are saddened about today’s tragic incident,” an emailed statement from Ameren said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims’ families and colleagues. We will cooperate with the investigation.”

Illinois State Police said the Lewis and Clark bridge coming into Illinois will be temporarily closed to all traffic due to the incident. No estimated reopening time was given.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the Upper Mississippi River is closed to vessel traffic in the area while the investigation is ongoing. Coast Guard officers are reportedly on scene, and pollution teams are en route.

5 On Your Side crews have deployed to the scene and are working to learn more.

This is a developing situation. This article will be updated with the latest information as it is released.

Posted by KSDK News on Thursday, August 7, 2025