Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Six people were killed after two helicopters collided in mid-air over western Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning, triggering a fiery crash that destroyed multiple vehicles and prompted a major emergency response.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:59 a.m. local time in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes district, a coastal neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s western zone. According to Brazilian authorities, the helicopters collided while flying over the area before crashing to the ground at separate locations. Approximately 45 military personnel and 15 vehicles were deployed to the scene .
One of the aircraft plunged into a parking area containing electric vehicles, igniting a large fire that quickly spread through the lot. Firefighters later reported that around 20 vehicles were destroyed in the blaze. The second helicopter crashed approximately 100 meters away from the first impact site, scattering debris across nearby streets and buildings.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers and medical personnel, rushed to the scene. Authorities confirmed that all six occupants aboard the two helicopters were killed. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported among people on the ground despite the crash occurring in a populated urban area.
Initial reports indicated that one helicopter was carrying five people, while the second aircraft was occupied solely by its pilot.
Multiple Brazilian and international media outlets, citing police and aviation sources, identified the victims as American singer and songwriter Oliver Tree Nickell, Argentine YouTuber and content creator Gaspar Prim Díaz, widely known as “Gaspi,” filmmaker Lucas Vignale, music producer Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Authorities noted that formal identification procedures were ongoing following recovery operations at the crash site.
Oliver Tree, 32, was a California-born singer, songwriter and internet personality known for blending alternative rock, pop, electronic and hip-hop influences. He rose to international prominence with viral hits including Life Goes On, Miss You and Alien Boy.
Known for his distinctive bowl haircut, colorful fashion style and unconventional music videos, Tree built a large global following through both his music and online presence. His albums included Ugly Is Beautiful, Cowboy Tears and Alone in a Crowd.
According to reports, Tree had recently performed in São Paulo and was continuing a South American tour before traveling onward to Europe for scheduled performances.
Gaspar Prim Díaz, known professionally as Gaspi, was one of Argentina’s most recognized digital content creators, with millions of followers across social media platforms.
Lucas Vignale was an Argentine filmmaker, director and audiovisual producer known for working on digital media, commercial productions and online content projects. He collaborated with several Latin American creators, including Argentine YouTuber Gaspi, and was involved in film, documentary and creative video production.
Lucas Brito Chaves was a Brazilian music producer, audio engineer and creative professional who worked in music production, recording and artist development. He was associated with various music and entertainment projects in Brazil and was reportedly traveling with Oliver Tree’s group at the time of the accident.
Brazilian media reports identified the helicopters as an Airbus H125 and a Bell 206B Jet Ranger. Investigators are working to determine where both helicopters originated and their intended destinations at the time of the collision.
Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA), operating under the Brazilian Air Force, has opened a formal investigation into the accident.
Investigators have begun collecting wreckage, reviewing surveillance footage and analyzing flight information to establish the sequence of events leading to the collision.
Fire Department spokesperson Lt. Col. Fabio Contreiras said investigators were examining all available evidence and had not yet determined the exact cause of the accident. Brazilian authorities are expected to release additional details as the investigation progresses.
