6 killed after two helicopters collide mid-air in Rio De Janeiro

Two helicopters collided over western Rio de Janeiro and crashed into an electric vehicle dealership parking area, killing six crew members. The impact set off a major fire that gutted at least 20 vehicles, and the cause is under investigation.

In Short

• The collision happened above Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a densely populated western suburb
• Both aircraft fell into an electric vehicle dealership parking area
• Firefighters said the blaze spread fast, engulfing at least 20 parked vehicles

At least six people were killed after two helicopters collided mid-air and crashed in western Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, sparking a massive fire that engulfed multiple vehicles on the ground, according to Brazilian firefighters.

The accident occurred in the suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a densely populated area in the western part of the city. Authorities said the helicopters collided while in flight before plunging to the ground, where the impact triggered a major blaze.

In a statement, firefighters said the aircraft crashed into the parking area of an electric vehicle dealership, causing a fire that rapidly spread through parked cars.

"Reports indicate that the helicopters collided in mid-air and crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles," the fire department said.

Officials confirmed that at least six people died in the crash. All of the victims were crew members aboard the two helicopters.

Local media footage showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site as firefighters battled flames and explosions caused by burning vehicles.

According to sources, the helicopters came down on land belonging to a deactivated church that had been leased by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. One of the aircraft reportedly exploded upon impact, with the resulting fire spreading quickly to nearby electric vehicles and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

The crash site was located in an area bordered by Avenida das Amricas and the streets of Beth Lago and Rivadvia Campos.

FIRE CONTROLLED WITHIN AN HOUR

Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly before 9 am local time and immediately launched rescue and firefighting operations. Authorities temporarily closed a side lane of Avenida das Amricas to allow emergency vehicles access to the area and to ensure public safety.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by around 10 am, preventing it from spreading further to surrounding properties.

The cause of the mid-air collision remains under investigation.

The tragedy is among the deadliest aviation incidents reported in Rio de Janeiro in recent months. Last month, a small plane crashed into the side of a building in Belo Horizonte, killing both the pilot and co-pilot.

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