Helicopter Crash Kills Two, Shuts River and Bridge

A helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois, on Thursday after striking power lines, killing both people aboard. The crash occurred around 11 a.m., resulting in a fire and dramatic plumes of black smoke, but no injuries were reported among those on the barge. The incident temporarily closed the river to commercial traffic between mile markers 199 and 201 and also led to the closure of the Lewis and Clark Bridge. Emergency crews, including fire, EMS, and law enforcement, responded quickly, and federal agencies such as the FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. The helicopter was reportedly servicing power lines at the time, but the company involved has not been confirmed. No other injuries have been reported.