Two people were killed Thursday morning after a helicopter struck a powerline and crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River near East Alton, Illinois. The crash occurred around 11 a.m., just a half-mile downriver from the Alton Dam, according to officials.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the fatal incident and stated that both individuals on board the helicopter died in the crash. Cpl. Dallas Thompson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol also confirmed there were no survivors, and no one on the barge was injured, as it was unoccupied at the time.
Emergency responders from fire, medical, and law enforcement agencies quickly arrived at the scene. Rivers Pointe Fire District Chief Rick Pender said that federal agencies, including the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are investigating the cause of the crash.
Video footage provided to CBS affiliate KMOV-TV by a witness, Adam Briggs, showed a large plume of black smoke rising from the barge moments after the crash. The dramatic scene prompted a swift response, with officials cordoning off the area and beginning their recovery and investigative efforts.
As a result of the crash, the Mississippi River was temporarily closed to commercial navigation in the affected area. Authorities also shut down the Lewis and Clark Bridge, which connects Missouri and Illinois, as a precaution. The Illinois State Police said the bridge would remain closed for an undetermined period as investigations and safety checks continue.
The cause of the crash is still under review, but early reports indicate that the helicopter hit a powerline before plunging into the river. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of family members.
East Alton, where the crash occurred, is located about 20 miles north of St. Louis. Local residents were urged to avoid the area while emergency and federal crews work through the recovery and investigation process.
Further updates will be released as the FAA and NTSB continue their joint investigation into what caused the tragic crash.
News
KeNHA Cites Legal Criteria in Rejection of Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway Plan
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has revealed that a proposal to build a 459-kilometre Nairobi–Mombasa expressway was rejected after failing to meet legal evaluation standards.
Colombia Mourns Miguel Uribe After Fatal Campaign Shooting
Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe has died, two months after suffering gunshot wounds during a campaign rally in Bogotá.
DIG Lagat Says Only DPP Can Decide on Ojwang Murder Case
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Lagat has argued that only the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has the legal authority to decide whether he should face charges in connection with the murder of Ojwang.
Watchdog Slams Israel Over Gaza Journalist Killings
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has strongly condemned Israel’s killing of five journalists in Gaza, including Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, accusing the country of repeatedly labelling reporters as militants without credible proof.
Treasury Pushes Ahead with Single County Revenue System
The National Treasury has confirmed it will roll out a unified revenue collection platform for all 47 counties, despite opposition from governors who argue the move undermines devolution.
Officer and Suspect Killed in Shooting Near CDC in Atlanta
An Atlanta police officer has died and a gunman is also dead following a shooting near the U.S.
Montana Bar Shooting Suspect Arrested After Weeklong Search
Authorities have captured the suspect in a deadly Montana bar shooting following a weeklong manhunt that gripped the small town of Anaconda.
21 Killed as Bus Carrying Mourners Overturns in Kisumu
Twenty-one people have died after a school bus carrying mourners overturned at a known accident blackspot in Kisumu County.
Government Vows Action After Shocking Child Sex Abuse Exposé
The Kenyan government has condemned the shocking sexual exploitation of children in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, as revealed by a BBC Africa Eye investigation.
Government Vows Action After Shocking Child Sex Abuse Exposé
The Kenyan government has condemned the shocking sexual exploitation of children in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, as revealed by a BBC Africa Eye investigation.
Eight Dead After Train Hits KPC Staff Bus at Naivasha Crossing
At least eight people were killed and several others injured on Thursday afternoon when a Kenya Railways train collided with a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff bus at a level crossing near Morendat Farm in Naivasha.
Kenya Marks 27 Years Since US Embassy Bombing With Anti-Terror Pledge
Kenya on Thursday marked 27 years since the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi by reaffirming its commitment to fighting terrorism and honouring the victims of the attack.
Two Pennsylvania Troopers Shot, Suspect Killed in Thompson Township
Two Pennsylvania state troopers were shot Thursday morning during an incident in Susquehanna County, northeastern Pennsylvania, prompting a large emergency response and ongoing investigation by state police.
Six Killed as Light Aircraft Crashes into Building Near Nairobi
Six people died on Thursday morning when a light aircraft crashed into a residential building in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, about 20 kilometres northeast of central Nairobi.
Several Feared Dead After Truck Crashes Into Kisii Market Crowd
Several people are feared dead and many others injured after a truck lost control and crashed into vendors and boda boda riders at the busy Daraja Mbili market in Kisii County.