Six Dead in Helicopter Collision Over Rio de Janeiro

Kathmandu. Local authorities have reported that six people were killed when two helicopters collided in the air over the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday morning. The accident occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes area, a western suburb of the city.

According to the Fire Department, after colliding, both helicopters fell and landed in the parking area of an electric vehicle sales center. After the accident, about 20 electric vehicles caught fire.

Fire Department spokesperson Fabio Coutinho said that when electric vehicles catch fire, toxic gases are released from the lithium-ion batteries, and a lot of water is needed to extinguish the fire. According to him, one helicopter was found burning among the vehicles, with five people on board. The other helicopter was found about 100 meters away, and it was said that only the pilot was on board.

Helicopter debris was found hundreds of meters away from the accident site. Videos released on social media show thick smoke rising into the sky from the parking area.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Initially, there is no clear information about how the helicopters collided with each other.

Accidents involving helicopters are relatively frequent in Brazil. According to Brazil's Center for Aviation Accident Investigation and Prevention, 84 aviation accidents had been registered this year before Sunday's accident.