At least four people died after a tourist helicopter crashed in a heavily forested area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday. Colombian Consul General Diana Paez confirmed that three of the victims were Colombian women from the same family.
The helicopter, registered as PP-MFS, operated sightseeing flights for Voos Rio Panorâmicos e Serviços Aeronáuticos (VRP). It was flying over Tijuca National Park when it crashed in steep, densely wooded terrain that made access difficult for rescue teams.
Helicopter Burst Into Flames
Firefighters received a distress call at about 11:11 a.m. local time. Emergency crews rushed to the area and found that the helicopter had exploded on impact, starting a fire in the forest.
Firefighters later extinguished the blaze. Authorities found all four occupants dead at the scene.
Investigation Underway
Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation to determine what caused the crash. Investigators are expected to examine weather conditions, the aircraft’s maintenance records, and the flight path before the accident.
The crash has shocked both Brazilian and Colombian communities because it involved members of the same family during what was reportedly a tourist sightseeing trip.
Officials have not yet released the identities of all four victims pending formal notification of relatives.
