ALTON, Ill. – Two people were killed after a helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis.

Emergency responders from Missouri and Illinois converged late Thursday morning on an area of the river near Maple Island, just east of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a Hughes 369D helicopter struck transmission lines over the river and crashed into the barge at 11:05 a.m. The barge then caught fire.

Two people on the helicopter died, according to Madison County officials.

No immediate injuries were reported on the barge. The river is shut down as of 1:15 p.m. as the power line fell into the water.

FOX 2 News is working to confirm what was on the barge.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson, there was possibly work being conducted on the power line when the crash happened. They do not yet know which helicopter company it was.

The NTSB will lead the investigation and coordinate with the FAA. Crews from NTSB are anticipated to arrive to the scene Friday to begin documenting and their examination.

Their investigation will include gathering information such as air traffic control communications, a 72-hour background of the pilot, aircraft maintenance records, and more. The final report will be completed in one to two years.

Anyone who witnessed, has video or information about the crash is asked to email the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

This is a breaking news story. FOX 2 will have more information on-air and online as it becomes available.