A tragic helicopter crash on Thursday (August 7) resulted in the deaths of two people after the aircraft struck power lines and crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River near West Alton, Missouri. The incident occurred around 11 a.m., causing a fire on the barge, which was quickly extinguished, according to the Alton Fire Department.

The helicopter, operated by an Ameren contractor and subcontractor, was involved in repairing and replacing tower lighting when it hit the power lines . The crash led to the temporary closure of the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Illinois, with no clear timeline for reopening, as reported by the Illinois State Police.

The St. Charles County Police Department confirmed the fatalities but did not specify whether the victims were aboard the helicopter or o

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