St. Charles County, MO — Two people were killed Thursday morning when a helicopter struck power lines crossing the Mississippi River, then crashed onto a barge below, according to local authorities.
Crash Occurred During Utility Work on Transmission Lines
The incident took place around 11 a.m. as the helicopter crew was working on power lines that span the river near the Missouri-Illinois state line. The helicopter, identified as a Hughes 369D, was operating in the vicinity of St. Charles County, Missouri, just north of Alton, Illinois, according to Missouri State Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson.
“The helicopter crashed onto the barge and there was a fire, but it was quickly extinguished,” Thompson told reporters.
Thompson added that no one on the barge was injured, but first responders evacuated the area after a power line dropped into the water. It was later confirmed that the wire was not live.
Eyewitness Describes Instant Explosion
Wallace Maier, a local fishing guide, witnessed the crash from his charter boat. Speaking to NBC News, Maier described the terrifying moment:
“As soon as it touched it, there was just an explosion. It was just gone.”
Contractors Were Performing Tower Maintenance
Utility company Ameren confirmed that the workers were employed by a contractor and subcontractor who had been repairing and replacing tower lighting and marker balls on the high-voltage transmission lines in Madison County, Illinois, when the crash occurred.
“We are saddened about today’s tragic incident,” Ameren said in a statement. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims’ families and colleagues. We will cooperate with the investigation.”
Power Line Safety Measures Activated
While there was no damage to the barge or others in the area, emergency crews followed standard electrical hazard protocols, including:
- Evacuating the immediate crash site
- Inspecting the dropped transmission line for live current
Officials later verified that the line had no active electricity, preventing further harm.
NTSB to Investigate Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that it has opened an investigation into the crash and will examine both the cause of the collision with the power lines and the mechanical condition of the helicopter involved.
The identities of the two victims have not yet been released pending family notification.
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