Pilot, Three Colombian Tourists Killed in Rio De Janeiro Helicopter Crash

Four people were killed when a helicopter crashed in Tijuca National Park on Saturday, authorities said. The dead included the pilot and three Colombian tourists from the same family. The aircraft went down in dense vegetation on a steep hillside, making access to the wreckage difficult for emergency crews.

Firefighters said all four occupants died after the helicopter caught fire and released images showing smoke rising from the remains of the aircraft. The crash occurred near Vista Chinesa, a Chinese-style pagoda replica known for its elevated views of Rio de Janeiro from within the forest. The cause of the accident was not immediately disclosed.

Colombian Consul General in Rio de Janeiro Diana Paez said the three passengers were part of a six-member family group visiting the Brazilian city to celebrate a girl’s 15th birthday. Because the helicopter could accommodate only three passengers at a time, the relatives had divided themselves into two groups for separate flights.

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The birthday girl’s grandmother, aunt and cousin boarded the first flight and were killed in the crash. The girl was scheduled to travel on a second flight with her father and his partner, Paez said. The Colombian consulate assisted Brazilian authorities with identifying the victims, a process complicated by the condition of their bodies.

Sightseeing helicopter flights are a popular attraction in Rio de Janeiro, offering aerial views of the seaside city’s landmarks, mountains and forests. The Vista Chinesa monument near the crash site is among the better-known viewpoints in Tijuca National Park and also appeared in the 2011 animated film “Rio.”

Following the crash, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said he had asked Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency to intensify its monitoring of helicopter operations to improve passenger safety. The accident came two months after two helicopters reportedly collided over Rio, killing six people. Authorities had not released additional information about the crashed aircraft, its operator or the investigation at the time of the initial report.

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