A utility helicopter struck overhead power lines and crashed onto a barge on the Mississippi River near East Alton, Illinois, killing both individuals on board and prompting a federal investigation.

At a Glance

• Crash occurred August 7, 2025, around 11 a.m. near East Alton, Illinois
• Helicopter hit power lines before crashing onto an unoccupied barge
• Both occupants—contractor and subcontractor—were killed
• Tugboat extinguished fire, U.S. Coast Guard temporarily closed river
• FAA and NTSB are investigating; safety zone still in place

Incident Overview

On Thursday morning, a Hughes 369D helicopter crashed after striking power lines while flying near the Mississippi River, approximately 20 miles north of St. Louis. The aircraft collided with cables above the river and came down onto a docked barge, which was reportedly unoccupied at the time.

Watch now: Helicopter crashes into barge on Mississippi River near St Louis

Both individuals aboard the helicopter were confirmed dead. The victims were performing utility work on behalf of Ameren, including tasks related to tower lighting and installation of marker balls—equipment commonly used to make power lines more visible to aircraft. Their identities have not yet been officially released.

Emergency Response and Aftermath

Shortly after the crash, the impact sparked a fire on the barge. Witnesses observed thick black smoke billowing from the site. A tugboat in the vicinity, the Donna F. Furlong, responded rapidly and used its onboard water cannon to put out the fire. The timely response likely prevented further damage to river traffic and nearby infrastructure.

The U.S. Coast Guard established an immediate closure of the river between mile markers 199.5 and 200.5. The Mississippi River was reopened to vessel traffic late Thursday evening, though a safety zone remains in effect. The zone restricts navigation within 450 feet from the Illinois shore as cleanup and inspection operations continue.

Investigation and Safety Measures

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened investigations into the cause of the crash. An NTSB field investigator was scheduled to arrive at the scene the following day. Early reports indicate the helicopter’s collision with high-voltage transmission lines was the likely cause of the accident.

This incident underscores the hazards associated with aerial utility operations, particularly in environments where infrastructure and navigation routes intersect. Power line strikes remain one of the most dangerous threats to low-flying aircraft, especially during maintenance or survey operations.

As of Friday, there has been no official comment from Ameren regarding procedural changes or additional safety protocols. However, industry experts note that such incidents typically lead to comprehensive safety reviews and, potentially, the reassessment of aerial work practices in proximity to energized lines.

Sources

Reuters
People
AP News