by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (Worthy News) – Brazil was rocked by a second fatal accident in less than 48 hours Sunday when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro, killing all six people aboard, including American singer and internet personality Oliver Tree, a day after a young woman died in a rope-jumping accident in São Paulo state.
Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed into a car dealership parking area where electric vehicles were stored, igniting a blaze that destroyed about 20 cars before firefighters brought it under control.
Officials said the helicopters collided mid-air over Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a district in Rio de Janeiro’s western zone known for heavy helicopter traffic.
Authorities said all six people aboard the two aircraft died in the crash.
Media reports identified the victims as including Tree, Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known online as “Gaspi,” Argentine video director Lucas Vignale, Brazilian music producer Lucas Brito Chaves, and the two pilots.
The 32-year-old Tree was known worldwide for songs including “Life Goes On,” “Miss You,” and “Alien Boy” and had been touring South America ahead of planned performances in Europe.
HELICOPTER CRASH INVESTIGATION
Firefighters said one helicopter carried five people while the second aircraft carried only its pilot.
Witnesses described seeing one helicopter on fire before both aircraft plunged toward the ground, scattering debris across the area. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the collision.
Brazil’s Air Force accident investigation center, known as CENIPA, joined police and emergency officials in examining the crash site, flight records, maintenance histories, and other evidence.
The accident shocked fans worldwide and renewed concerns about aviation safety in one of the world’s busiest urban helicopter environments.
Authorities said the investigation could take months before a final report is released.
BRAZIL MOURNS SECOND TRAGEDY
The helicopter disaster came a day after another fatal accident in Brazil drew national attention.
A 21-year-old woman died after being launched from a bridge during a rope-jumping event in the interior of São Paulo state when a safety cord was allegedly not properly secured, police said.
Videos circulating online appeared to show onlookers shouting warnings moments before the jump after realizing there was no safety mechanism attached.
Police said three men were arrested on suspicion of homicide with “dolus eventualis,” a Brazilian legal concept meaning they allegedly proceeded despite being aware of a substantial risk that their actions could result in death.
Authorities are continuing investigations into both incidents as Brazil grapples with two high-profile tragedies that have raised fresh concerns about safety oversight and accountability.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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