Six die after helicopters collide over southwest Rio de Janeiro

Investigators examine two-aircraft crash

Six people were killed when two helicopters collided in flight and crashed in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in Rio de Janeiro’s southwest, on the morning of June 14, 2026, according to preliminary information from the fire service reported by CNN Brasil.

Five of those who died had been travelling in one helicopter, while the pilot was the sole occupant of the other aircraft, Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police confirmed. The dead included 32-year-old American singer Oliver Tree, Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known as Gaspi, and music producer Lucas Brito Chaves, known as Lucas Frota. Pilot Charles Marsillac was alone in the second helicopter.

CNN Brasil said police had identified the bodies of the Brazilian victims Lucas Brito, Charles Marsillac and Alexandre Souza. Examinations were continuing, with forensic specialists collecting material for genetic comparisons intended to identify the foreign victims. The bodies were taken to the Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medical Institute in central Rio.

The aircraft fell into a lot containing parked electric vehicles on Avenida das Américas. At least 20 vehicles were hit and caught fire, according to the report. BYD, whose vehicles were stored at the dealership lot, expressed condolences and said it was monitoring the situation, providing local support through the dealership and remaining available to assist authorities.

The Civil Police said the case was being handled by the 42nd police precinct in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Forensic examination of the site was requested, and officers began inquiries into the circumstances and causes of the crash. The fire service, traffic company CET, municipal cleaning company Comlurb and teams from the 31st Military Police Battalion also supported the response and isolation of the area.

Brazil’s Air Force said investigators from the Third Regional Service for the Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents, or SERIPA III, were dispatched for the initial examination. The occurrence involved aircraft registered as PP-MAC and PR-DJJ. The initial work included collecting and confirming information, preserving evidence, assessing damage and gathering other material needed for the investigation.

The National Civil Aviation Agency, Anac, said it was checking the status of the aircraft and pilots. It stated that the investigation into the causes would be conducted by the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents, known as Cenipa.

the cited accounts did not identify a cause for the mid-air collision. The authorities’ actions described on June 14 were investigative and preliminary, covering evidence preservation, aircraft records, damage assessment and formal identification of the victims. No conclusion about responsibility or the sequence immediately preceding the collision had been announced in the available evidence.