WEST ALTON, MO (St. Charles County) — A large-scale emergency response is underway in West Alton after a helicopter crashed into the Mississippi River near U.S. Highway 67 on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
The incident occurred in the late morning hours when the helicopter reportedly collided with a barge operating on the river before going down into the water. Initial reports from 911 calls and early dispatch traffic suggested that the aircraft may have caught fire upon impact, prompting a rapid response from local fire departments and emergency crews. However, officials at the scene later confirmed that there is no active fire associated with the crash site.
According to authorities, two individuals were on board the helicopter at the time of the incident. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed as of this time, and it remains unclear whether they have been located or rescued. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with boats and personnel deployed from both Missouri and Illinois, working in coordination on the river to locate the wreckage and any possible survivors.
A unified command post has been established near the riverbank along U.S. Highway 67, where local law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management officials are coordinating the multi-agency response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have also been notified and are expected to lead a formal investigation into the cause of the crash once immediate rescue operations are concluded.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing a low-flying helicopter before hearing a loud crash and seeing a splash in the water. Some nearby barge operators were among the first to alert authorities to the downed aircraft.
“We are treating this as both a rescue and recovery operation,” one official stated during a brief update to media on-site. “Our top priority is determining the status of the individuals on board and ensuring the safety of our responders as they work in challenging conditions on the river.”
The identity of the occupants and the helicopter’s point of origin or intended destination have not yet been released. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported to be relatively clear, but investigators will consider all possibilities, including mechanical failure, pilot error, or navigational issues.
Motorists are advised that while U.S. Highway 67 remains open, there may be temporary traffic delays or lane restrictions in the area due to emergency response vehicles and equipment stationed near the river.
This is a developing story. Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency personnel to perform their duties without obstruction. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the helicopter’s occupants, the recovery operation, and the ongoing investigation.
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