RIO DE JANEIRO: At least six people were killed after two helicopters collided mid-air in western Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, according to local firefighters.
Among those reported dead was Oliver Tree, who was in Brazil as part of his world tour. A police source told AFP that the singer was aboard one of the helicopters involved in the crash.
Authorities said the victims have not yet been formally identified because their bodies were severely burned. However, Oliver Tree was listed among the six people named on the flight manifests of the two aircraft, according to the source.
Rio de Janeiro Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere confirmed that foreign nationals were on board one of the helicopters but did not provide further details.
Following the collision, both helicopters crashed into the parking area of an electric vehicle dealership in the suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes. The impact sparked a large fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles.
Rescue teams found one helicopter burning among the damaged cars, with five victims inside. The second aircraft was located approximately 100 metres away and was carrying only the pilot, who also died in the accident.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
