ALTON, Ill. — A tragic helicopter crash on Thursday morning, August 7, claimed the lives of two contractors after a Hughes 369D helicopter struck a barge on the Mississippi River near the Melvin Price Lock and Dam No. 26 in Alton.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 11 a.m., sent a large plume of black smoke into the sky and prompted a multi-agency emergency response.

Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Fischer described the scene as intense upon arrival. “We deployed our assets and got a boat on scene to get eyes on it,” Fischer said, referring to the thick smoke rising from the river.

The helicopter, operated by Ameren contractors, crashed into a docked barge located approximately 200 yards downstream from the dam.

The barge was carrying ethylene glycol—a chemical used in antifreeze and coolant—but there were no reports of a hazardous material spill, and no one was on board the barge at the time of the crash.

Ameren confirmed in a statement that both individuals aboard the helicopter were contractors performing maintenance work on transmission lines, including tower lighting and marker balls. “We are saddened about today’s tragic incident,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims’ families and colleagues. We will cooperate with the investigation.”

One of the victims was identified as Cody Curry, an employee of Edwardsville-based J.F. Electric.

The company expressed its sorrow, stating:

“Our thoughts are with their loved ones, colleagues, and all those affected by this loss. J.F. Electric is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their review of the incident.”

Upon impact, the helicopter ignited and caught fire.

A nearby towboat, the Donna F. Furlong, quickly responded and successfully extinguished the flames within an hour using its onboard water cannon. While the towboat belongs to the Hines Furlong Line fleet, the company declined to comment on the incident.

The crash occurred on land only accessible by water, which added logistical challenges for emergency responders.

Personnel from the Alton, East Alton, Wood River, and Spanish Lake (MO) fire departments, along with the Alton Fire Department’s Marine 1 unit, were deployed to the scene.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) all launched investigations into the crash.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed that no pollution was detected in the river and that officers from the Incident Management Department were on-site.

Initially, the Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River to vessel traffic between mile markers 199 and 201 at 12:47 p.m. The river was reopened by 9:42 p.m. the same day, though a restricted safety zone remains in place from mile marker 199.5 to 200.5.

Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol temporarily closed the Clark Bridge for safety reasons, but it was reopened within two hours.

The nearby National Great Rivers Museum was also evacuated and remained closed for the rest of the day.

Local leaders offered condolences in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Alton Mayor David Goins called the loss “horrific,” saying, “I give my condolences to the families and all others connected to these individuals who lost their lives.”
U.S. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski posted on social media, “This is heartbreaking news. I’ll be closely monitoring the situation and keeping everyone affected in my thoughts.”

As investigations by federal and local agencies continue, officials have yet to release the name of the second victim pending further identification and notification of next of kin.