Six killed in mid-air collision of two helicopters in Brazil

At least six people have been killed after two helicopters collided mid-air in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The accident occurred on Sunday morning, June 14, local time, in the western suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes.

The local fire service said the helicopters lost control after the collision and crashed into the parking lot of an electric car showroom. Around 20 electric cars parked there caught fire, and the entire area was engulfed in smoke.

Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the accident and began efforts to bring the blaze under control. However, the lithium-ion batteries of the electric vehicles ignited, making the situation more complex. Fire Service spokesperson Fabio Contreiras said the toxic gases and intense heat from these batteries required significantly more time and water than usual to bring the fire under control.

Rescuers said the wreckage of one helicopter was found among the burning vehicles in the parking lot. The bodies of five occupants were recovered from there. The other helicopter was found around 100 metres away, where the pilot's body was recovered. A total of six people lost their lives in the accident.

Authorities said the crash site is in a densely populated area. A major loss of life was averted because the helicopters fell on the showroom's open parking lot instead of residential buildings. Otherwise, the number of casualties could have been much higher.

The cause of the accident is not yet known. Brazil's aircraft accident investigation agency has launched an inquiry into the incident.

According to government statistics, at least 84 aircraft and helicopter accidents have occurred in Brazil so far this year before this incident. This latest tragic accident has once again raised questions about the country's aviation safety system.

Source: Al Jazeera