Helicopter Crashes Into Barge On Mississippi River, Two Fatalities Reported

Some tragic news has been reported in a town just north of  St. Louis.

A helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River in the town of Alton.

There have been two fatalities reported in the crash, and the scene is currently being investigated.

Newsweek reported more details on the fatal crash:

Emergency crews responded late Thursday morning to a section of the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois, after reports of a helicopter crash by St. Louis’ Fox 2 television.

According to initial accounts, the aircraft collided with a barge, sparking a fire on impact. Alton is roughly 25 miles north of St. Louis.

The Alton Police Department told Newsweek, “We’re working an active scene and have no comments at this time” around 1:15 p.m. ET. When reached via phone call by Newsweek, a U.S. Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River spokesperson said, “the situation is evolving” and a statement would be forthcoming.

KMOX, a St. Louis radio station, reported Wednesday afternoon on X, “Two dead in helicopter crash on a barge on the Mississippi River near Alton.”

A follow-up post from the station stated, “Fire is out. Two deceased were on the helicopter, not the barge. No other injuries.”

Here are some photos and videos of the scene:

🚨 JUST IN: A helicopter has just crashed into a BARGE on the Mississippi River, creating a fireball

It’s not known what the barge is hauling, but the blaze is increasing

No word on casualties yet. Pray for them and their families 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/QGMxU1D3fl

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 7, 2025

🚨 BREAKING: A helicopter crashed into a barge on the Upper Mississippi River at mile marker 200 in West Alton, Missouri, with no information yet on casualties. pic.twitter.com/lleqagx9KU

— Intel Tower🗽 (@inteltower) August 7, 2025

Local news outlet the Alton Telegraph reported more details on the tragic accident:

The helicopter crashed into a docked barge about 200 yards downstream from the Melvin Price Lock and Dam. The barge was carrying ethylene glycol, a chemical commonly used in antifreeze and coolant, according to Fischer.

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Calls went out to local fire and police just after 11 a.m. on Thursday. There was a fire initially, but that was put out within an hour.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol immediately closed the Clark Bridge after the helicopter crash. The Clark Bridge reopened within two hours of the initial crash.

A statement from the Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday said, “A Hughes 369D helicopter crashed on a barge in the Mississippi River near East Alton, Illinois, around 11:05 a.m. local time on Thursday, Aug. 7. Two people were on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate.”

First responders on the scene included fire and police departments from Alton, East Alton, and Wood River. Authorities temporarily blocked off Lock and Dam Way, the road lining the eastern bank of the Mississippi River in Illinois, but there remained access to the National Great Rivers Museum nearby.

A boat from the Spanish Lake, Missouri, Fire District was also in the water near the site, as was the Alton Fire Department’s Marine 1. A towboat extinguished the fire with an onboard water cannon.