Two helicopters collide and crash in Brazil, killing six

A mid-air collision between two helicopters over Rio de Janeiro on Friday resulted in the deaths of all six individuals aboard. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time in the western district of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, according to the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department.

One of the helicopters plummeted onto an electrical vehicle dealership, igniting a blaze that consumed at least 20 parked cars. The other helicopter reportedly exploded shortly after the collision, scattering debris across the area. Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, initiating rescue and firefighting operations. Parts of Avenida das Américas were temporarily closed to ensure safety and facilitate access for emergency services.

This tragic event marks one of the most fatal aviation accidents in Rio de Janeiro in recent months. Brazilian airspace, particularly for smaller aircraft, has seen a concerning frequency of accidents. In May, two pilots died when a small plane crashed into a building in Belo Horizonte. Investigations into the exact cause and circumstances of the helicopter collision are currently underway by the relevant authorities.