Mississippi River Helicopter Crash Kills Two
A helicopter crash on the Mississippi River near East Alton, Illinois, claimed the lives of two people on Thursday morning. The incident is under investigation by federal authorities.
Details of the Crash
The helicopter reportedly struck a powerline before crashing into a barge. The impact ignited a fire. A video shared online showed thick smoke rising from the barge.
According to Rivers Pointe fire district chief Rick Pender, the helicopter “ran into a powerline and crashed.”
Cp Dallas Thompson of the Missouri state highway patrol confirmed that both victims were inside the helicopter.
Response and Investigation
Emergency crews, including fire, EMS, and law enforcement, responded to the scene. The fire on the unoccupied barge was quickly extinguished.
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Commercial river traffic in the area has been temporarily halted.
