A quick, but powerful storm led to the emergency landing of four military helicopters – two in the Festus area – this afternoon (Aug. 20).
Local authorities confirmed the helicopter landings, but said they had little information other than the landings took place “within the last hour” when contacted by the Leader about 3:15 p.m.
Festus Police Chief Tim Lewis said he learned one of the Army Chinook helicopters landed at parking lot of the building being remodeled to become the new site of Taytro’s Bar and Bistro, 331 N. Creek Drive, in Festus. The building most recently housed Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet. He said the helicopters were on their way from California to the East Coast.
A Festus Memorial Airport spokesman said the four helicopters lost contact with each other during the storm and followed protocol by splitting up and heading to four different landing sites: one at the Taytro’s, one at the airport, one across the river in Sparta, Ill, and the fourth in a field at an unknown location. The spokesman said the helicopters were scheduled to resume their trek at 3:15 p.m.