Two Helicopters Collide Over Rio and Crash into BYD Vehicle Lot, Six Killed

Overview

• Two helicopters collided in mid-air on Sunday morning over Recreio dos Bandeirantes and crashed onto a former church lot rented by BYD for vehicle storage, killing six people.
• Authorities identified the victims and confirmed high-profile names among the dead, including U.S. singer Oliver Tree and Argentine creator Gaspar Prim Díaz.
• One helicopter exploded on impact and ignited about 20 electric vehicles, producing secondary explosions and a dense toxic smoke plume that slowed firefighting and spread debris across the area.
• Investigators from Cenipa, Polícia Civil and Anac are conducting coordinated inquiries using security‑camera and witness footage while noting both aircraft held active airworthiness certificates.
• Officials say forensic work and wreckage removal are under way and that preliminary causes remain undetermined, with reporting also noting a 2025 ANAC fine against one aircraft owner for refusing to show documents.