Local News
Multiple Agencies Responding to Helicopter Crash Near Riverlands Way in West Alton
WEST ALTON, MO (St. Charles County) — Emergency crews are responding to a helicopter crash on the Mississippi River near U.S. Highway 67.
According to initial reports, a helicopter went down in the river and was believed to have collided with a barge.
Early dispatch information indicated the aircraft was on fire; however, incident command has since confirmed there is no active fire at the scene.
Boats from both Missouri and Illinois are currently on the water assisting with the response and recovery efforts.
Authorities have confirmed that two individuals were on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.
Their conditions remain unknown at this time.
The situation remains fluid, and responders are actively working to assess the scene and locate those involved.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Emergency crews in Bethesda, Montgomery County, responded to a serious trench collapse Tuesday at a work site in the 8100 block of Kentbury Drive, where two workers became trapped in a deep excavation.
According to initial reports, the incident involved a 10 to 12-foot-deep trench that collapsed while the workers were inside.
One victim was reported to be buried up to the waist, while the second victim was buried up to the head, creating an urgent and dangerous situation for responders.
Specialized rescue teams from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene and initiated a technical trench rescue operation.
These types of incidents require careful stabilization of the surrounding soil and trench walls to prevent additional collapse while rescuers work to safely reach and extract the trapped individuals.
Emergency personnel secured the area and began implementing protective measures, including shoring the trench to stabilize the excavation site before attempting to free the victims.
The condition of the trapped workers has not yet been released.
Rescue operations were ongoing as crews worked methodically to remove soil and safely extricate the victims.
Officials are expected to provide further updates as the rescue effort continues and investigators determine what led to the collapse.