Choppers collide mid-air; six die in western Rio de Janeiro

A mid-air collision between two helicopters in western Rio de Janeiro on Sunday resulted in the deaths of all six individuals aboard, according to firefighters. Among the victims was American singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, who was reportedly in Brazil as part of a world tour.

A police source confirmed that Tree was listed on the manifest of one of the aircraft. The source indicated that the victims could not be immediately identified due to severe burns sustained in the crash. Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere stated that foreign nationals were on board one of the helicopters, but provided no further details.

The accident occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes suburb. Following the collision, one helicopter crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a significant fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles. Rescue workers found five victims inside the burning helicopter. A second helicopter, found approximately 100 meters away, contained only the pilot, who also perished in the incident.

“

foreign nationals on board one of the aircraft