Six people have died after two helicopters collided in mid-air over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday morning, triggering a major fire when the aircraft crashed into the parking area of an electric vehicle dealership.
According to the Rio de Janeiro Military Fire Department, the helicopters collided over the city’s western zone before falling to the ground. One of the aircraft crashed directly onto the dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, causing a fire that spread among the vehicles. Emergency crews were able to bring the blaze under control.
Authorities confirmed that all six occupants aboard the two helicopters were killed. Initial reports indicate that five people were aboard one helicopter, while the second aircraft was carrying only the pilot. No fatalities were reported on the ground despite the crash occurring in a populated area.
Fire service spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Fabio Contreiras said investigators are still working to determine the exact sequence of events. Debris from both helicopters was scattered across a wide area, and officials are reviewing recordings and video footage as part of the investigation.
Images from the scene showed thick black smoke rising above the dealership as firefighters battled the flames. Authorities noted that the presence of lithium-ion batteries in the electric vehicles complicated firefighting efforts due to the intense heat and toxic gases generated by such fires.
Brazilian aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the accident. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released.