Choppers collide mid-air; six die in western Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO: At least six people died on Sunday after two helicopters collided mid-air in western Rio de Janeiro, firefighters said.

American singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, who was in Brazil on a world tour, was aboard one of the helicopters that crashed, leaving all occupants dead, a police source told AFP.

The alternative singer and internet personality is listed as one of six people on the manifests of the two aircraft shared by the source, who said the victims could not be formally identified yet as they were badly burned in the crash.

Rio de Janeiro Ma­yor Eduardo Cava­liere said that there were “foreign nationals on board one of the aircraft,” without giving further details.

US singer Oliver Tree listed among dead

After collision, the helicopters crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igni­ting a fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles.

The accident took place in the western suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes.

Rescue workers discovered one helicopter in flames among the electric cars, with five victims inside. A second helicopter found some 100 metres away was carrying only the pilot, who also died.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026