Six people were killed after two helicopters collided in mid-air in Rio de Janeiro
At least six people died after two helicopters collided in midair and crashed in western Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, sparking a large fire that spread to several vehicles on the ground, Brazilian firefighters said.According to Agence France-Presse, the accident occurred in the suburb of Recreo dos Bandeirantes in the western part of the city.Firefighters said in a statement: “Reports indicate that the two helicopters collided in the air and crashed into a parking lot belonging to an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles.”The statement added: “At least six people were confirmed dead, all of them crew members of the plane involved in the accident.”
The accident caused a major fire
Pictures published by local media showed thick black smoke rising from the crash site, while several cars caught fire after the collision.
According to Brazilian digital news portal Mix Vale, the helicopters fell on land belonging to a defunct church leased by electric car company BYD.One of the planes reportedly exploded on impact, with the resulting fire quickly spreading to parked electric cars and causing further explosions.
The accident occurred in an area bounded by Avenida das Americas and Pez Lago and Rivadavia Campos streets, according to the report.
Emergency response launched
Firefighting teams were sent to the scene shortly before nine in the morning local time, and rescue and firefighting operations began.According to Mix Vale, authorities closed a bypass on Avenida das Américas to facilitate emergency access and ensure public safety.The report stated that firefighters were able to control the fire by approximately 10 a.m., preventing it from spreading further.Small aircraft accidents are relatively common in Brazil. Last month, a small plane crashed into a building in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte, killing the pilot and his co-pilot.The latest accident is among the deadliest aviation accidents in Rio de Janeiro in recent months.
