RIO DE JANEIRO – Two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning, killing all six people aboard and triggering an investigation into one of the city’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent months.
The crash occurred in Rio de Janeiro’s western zone, according to the city’s Military Fire Department. Officials said one of the helicopters fell into the parking area of a car dealership, where several electric vehicles caught fire after the impact. Firefighters later extinguished the blaze.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the midair collision.
Investigation Focuses on Victim Identification
Police said American singer and comedian Oliver Tree appeared on a passenger list provided to aviation authorities. However, investigators cautioned that they have not yet been able to identify the bodies recovered from the crash.
As a result, officials have not publicly confirmed the identities of those killed.
Tree had recently been in South America, performing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 4. On Saturday, he posted a video on Instagram showing himself playing soccer in a Brazilian neighborhood.
The uncertainty surrounding the passenger manifest has drawn significant attention as authorities continue forensic identification efforts.
Argentine Creator Gaspi Reportedly Among Those Aboard
Argentine streaming channel Blender reported that content creator Gaspar Prim Díaz, widely known as Gaspi, was aboard one of the helicopters involved in the collision.
Gaspi, who was 23 years old, had built a substantial online following, attracting more than 2.8 million subscribers on YouTube.
In a statement shared on X, Blender paid tribute to the creator, saying, “Thanks for your art, your magic and your sensibility, every one of us will miss you.”
Witness Describes Moments After Collision
A local worker who witnessed the incident described a chaotic scene following the collision.
Fernandes de Freitas, a tire repair worker, said he observed one helicopter engulfed in flames after the aircraft struck each other in midair. He also reported seeing a passenger jump from the other helicopter before it crashed.
“It was terrifying, absolutely horrifying,” De Freitas said.
Aviation Authorities Continue Inquiry
Investigators are expected to examine flight records, aircraft conditions, and other evidence as they work to determine how the collision occurred.
The identification of the victims remains a central focus of the investigation, with authorities expected to provide further updates as forensic examinations continue.
Tags: Oliver Tree, Gaspar Prim Díaz, Gaspi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Helicopter Collision, Helicopter Crash, Aviation Investigation, Blender, Argentine Content Creator, Celebrity News, Aviation Safety, Breaking News, YouTube Creators, Midair Collision, Rio de Janeiro Fire Department
