ALTON, Ill. ( KMOV /Gray News) - Two people were killed when a helicopter crashed into a barge in the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois.

First responders confirmed that the helicopter crashed onto a barge and caught fire at about 11 a.m. Thursday. A witness, identified as Adam Briggs, said he saw the helicopter crash near the Melvin Price Lock and Dam.

The Alton Fire Department confirmed two people were killed in the crash.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the helicopter hit power lines, which then fell into the water.

Briggs shared video with KMOV of the crash’s aftermath. In the video, he claims the helicopter was working on the power lines when it crashed.

“The helicopter blew up, and fell, crashed into that barge, and it’s exploding right now,” he is heard saying in t

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