Eyewitnesses in Brazil have recounted the chilling aftermath of a helicopter crash that tragically claimed six lives, including that of musician Oliver Tree. The heart-wrenching incident occurred in Rio de Janeiro when two helicopters collided mid-air, resulting in the loss of all passengers on board.
The Rio de Janeiro Military Fire Department reported that one of the helicopters crashed into the parking area of a vehicle dealership, sparking a fire amid the parked electric cars. Fortunately, the blaze was swiftly brought under control by emergency services.
Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause behind this catastrophic collision. The incident has left many questioning how such a tragedy could have happened in the skies above one of Brazil’s most bustling cities.
Among the eyewitnesses was Fernandes de Freitas, who works at a nearby tire repair shop. He described seeing one of the helicopters ablaze following the collision. He also recounted a haunting scene where a passenger was seen leaping from the other helicopter before it tragically plummeted to the ground.
Fernandes de Freitas, a tyre repair worker, stated he witnessed one of the helicopters engulfed in flames following the midair collision, and observed that one of the passengers leapt from the other aircraft before it struck the ground.
“It was terrifying, absolutely horrifying,” De Freitas said.
Argentine streaming channel Blender confirmed that content creator Gaspar Prim DÃaz – also known as Gaspi – was aboard one of the helicopters.
Gaspi had amassed more than 2.8 million followers on YouTube – he was merely 23 years old.
“Thanks for your art, your magic and your sensibility, every one of us will miss you,” Blender said on its X account. The Brazilian Air Force stated: “The Brazilian Air Force (FAB), through the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), informs that, this Sunday (June 14th), investigators from the Third Regional Service for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (SERIPA III), based in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), were called to carry out the Initial Action of the incident involving two aircraft, registration numbers PP-MAC and PR-DJJ, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro (RJ).
“During the Initial Action, qualified and accredited professionals apply specific techniques for data collection and confirmation, preservation of evidence, initial verification of damage caused to or by the aircraft, and gathering other information necessary for the investigation.”
YouTube sensation and Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write: “Can’t believe I’m actually having to type this. You’re 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make. So much content to make. You’re a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn’t feel real. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro.”