WEST ALTON, MO (St. Charles County) — Emergency crews from both Missouri and Illinois are responding to a helicopter crash that occurred near Riverlands Way in West Alton, Missouri, early Thursday afternoon. The incident unfolded along the Mississippi River, close to U.S. Highway 67, when the helicopter reportedly struck power lines before landing on a barge.

Crash Details and Initial Response

According to initial reports, the helicopter was flying over the Mississippi River when it experienced difficulty, leading to a crash. Incident command has confirmed that the aircraft collided with power lines, which may have caused significant damage to the helicopter before it ultimately landed on a barge in the river.

Early dispatch reports indicated that the helicopter was on fire following the crash. However, authorities later confirmed that there was no active fire at the scene, which has provided some relief to responders on the ground and in the water.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts Underway

Boats from both Missouri and Illinois are currently assisting in the response, navigating the Mississippi River to reach the crashed helicopter. Crews are working tirelessly to recover the aircraft and assess any potential risks associated with the crash, including environmental hazards from fuel or debris in the water.

Authorities have confirmed that two individuals were aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash, though their conditions remain unknown. Emergency medical teams are on standby and are being readied to provide care to those involved, should they be located.

Ongoing Investigation and Fluid Situation

The situation remains fluid, with emergency responders actively working to secure the crash site and conduct a thorough assessment of the scene. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash, including whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the incident. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the individuals involved in the crash, nor have they provided updates on their conditions.

Coordination Between Agencies

Multiple agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure the swift recovery of the wreckage and to ensure public safety in the area. Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Charles County Emergency Services, and Illinois-based emergency responders are all actively involved in the scene. These agencies are working together to ensure that the crash site is properly managed, and that resources are efficiently utilized.

Local Impact and Public Safety

The crash occurred near a high-traffic area close to U.S. Highway 67, raising concerns about potential traffic disruptions. While authorities have not reported any immediate road closures, local law enforcement has advised motorists to stay clear of the area to allow emergency crews to conduct their work without obstruction.

Responders are also monitoring the environmental impact of the crash, particularly in terms of any fuel spills or debris from the helicopter that could pose risks to the surrounding ecosystem in the Mississippi River.

Next Steps and Public Updates

Authorities continue to assess the situation and expect to provide further updates as the response and investigation evolve. The next steps will involve determining the exact cause of the crash, whether mechanical failure, weather-related factors, or human error played a role. The investigation is expected to take several days, and officials will continue to work with federal aviation authorities to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the incident.

Conclusion

This incident has prompted a significant emergency response, with multiple agencies from both Missouri and Illinois collaborating to assist in recovery efforts. The helicopter crash near Riverlands Way in West Alton remains an active scene, with responders focused on locating the two individuals aboard the aircraft and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. As more information becomes available, authorities will provide updates on the status of the victims and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.