At least six people were killed today when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro, the fire service said. A police source said American singer Oliver Tree was among those aboard the helicopters.
After their collision the helicopters crashed into a parking lot of an electric vehicle dealership, causing a fire that destroyed at least 20 vehicles. “At least six deaths have been confirmed, all among the occupants of the aircraft involved in the crash,” the fire service said.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere said “foreign nationals were on board one of the two helicopters,” without giving further details. Fire department spokesman Fabio Contreiras told CNN Brasil that the exact circumstances of the accident are not yet known.
One helicopter engulfed in flames was found among electric vehicles, with five victims inside, and the other, which crashed about 100 meters away, was carrying only its pilot, who also died, he said.
A large cloud of black smoke rose above the car dealership, where several vehicles were on fire, according to images shown by local media.
