Two helicopters collided mid-air over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning, killing all six people on board, including American singer Oliver Tree, local authorities confirmed. The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, sending both aircraft plummeting to the ground. One helicopter crashed into an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that engulfed several vehicles, while the second helicopter came down nearby, according to the Rio de Janeiro fire department .
The fire department reported that no survivors were found at the scene. The Brazilian military police and aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision, which remains unclear. Video footage from the scene shows thick black smoke rising from the dealership, where emergency services are seen battling the blaze. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before the helicopters crashed.
Oliver Tree, whose real name is Oliver Tree Nickell, was a rising star in the music industry known for his viral hits and eccentric performances. His presence on board was confirmed by multiple international outlets, including *The Independent* . The other victims have not yet been publicly identified, pending notification of families.
The crash has drawn immediate reactions from Brazilian officials. Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Eduardo Paes, expressed his condolences on social media, calling the incident a “tragic day for the city.” The Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry, while the U.S. Embassy in Brasília has offered consular assistance to the families of the American victim.
Aviation experts have raised concerns about air traffic control protocols in the area, particularly given the proximity of the crash site to recreational and commercial zones. The Recreio dos Bandeirantes district is a popular beachfront area, raising questions about whether stricter flight restrictions are needed over densely populated regions. The investigation is expected to take several weeks, with preliminary findings anticipated by the end of June.
As the city mourns, the collision serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with helicopter operations in urban environments. Authorities have urged caution while flying over Rio de Janeiro until further safety measures are implemented.