6 killed in mid-air helicopter collision in Brazil

Six people were killed in western Rio de Janeiro on Sunday when two helicopters reportedly collided mid-air and crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership. The crash sparked a major fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles.

Firefighters confirmed all six victims were crew members. One helicopter, carrying five people, crashed among the parked electric cars and caught fire, while the second, carrying only the pilot, was found about 100 meters away.

Authorities said foreign nationals were on board one of the aircraft, but no further details were released. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Officials noted that the crash could have caused a much higher death toll if it had occurred in the nearby residential area. The fire was particularly difficult to extinguish because burning lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles generate intense heat and toxic gases.

According to Brazil’s aviation accident agency (CENIPA), there had already been 84 aircraft accidents and 25 fatalities in the country in 2026 before this incident.