Particle.news

Two Helicopters Collide Over Rio de Janeiro, Six Dead

A major dealership fire that crews fought for hours has prompted a formal aviation probe.

Overview

  • Emergency teams responded on Sunday morning after two helicopters collided over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes area and crashed at the intersection of Rua Beth Lago and Rua Rivadávia Campos.
  • All six people aboard the aircraft were killed: five in the helicopter that exploded on impact and the pilot of the other machine.
  • The Brazilian Air Force identified the aircraft as an Aérospatiale AS350B2 (PR-DJJ) and a Bell 206B (PP-MAC) registered to Turfik Comércio de Frutas LTDA, which operates as Kifrut.
  • One helicopter struck a BYD electric-car dealership, exploded and set about 20 vehicles on fire, while the second craft crashed roughly 100 metres away without exploding; firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze.
  • Authorities have not released victims’ names and say a formal investigation will examine flight records, maintenance and air-traffic factors as officials secure the scene and collect evidence.