Two helicopters collided in Rio de Janeiro — AFP
At least six people were killed in Brazil in a major helicopter crash involving two helicopters that occurred in the western part of the metropolis of Rio de Janeiro.
After a violent mid-air collision, both aircraft crashed into the parking lot of an electric vehicle dealership.
The crash of the multi-ton machines caused a massive explosion and a fierce fire that instantly engulfed at least 20 vehicles parked nearby.
According to official data from local fire departments, initial reports clearly indicate that the helicopters collided in mid-air while in flight.
Rescue workers, who quickly arrived at the scene of the emergency, recovered the bodies of six people. Emergency service representatives confirmed that all victims of the crash were crew members of the aircraft.
Law enforcement agencies and aviation experts are currently working to identify all the victims and determine the causes of the tragedy.
Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavalliere stated that there were “foreign nationals” on board one of the helicopters, without providing further details. Official diplomatic agencies are already involved in the process of identifying the bodies.
The investigation into the incident is being complicated by severe damage and the aftermath of a major fire at the car dealership site.
Fire department spokesman Lt. Col. Fabio Contreras reported from the scene that it is currently unclear exactly how the accident occurred. According to him, experts are carefully examining the wreckage and radar data.
The rescue operation lasted several hours due to the high risk of further explosions from the batteries of the damaged electric cars.
Contreras reported that rescuers found one burning helicopter among the electric vehicles, with five people dead inside. In the second helicopter, which was found about 100 meters away, only the pilot’s body was found.
This was reported by AFP.
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