Two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning and crashed in the city’s western zone, killing all six people aboard, firefighters said.
Fernandes de Freitas, a tire repair worker, said he saw one of the helicopters in flames following the midair collision, and noticed that one of the passengers jumped out of the other aircraft, before it hit the ground.
“It was terrifying, absolutely horrifying,” De Freitas said.
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Officials said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.
According to local police American singer and comedian Oliver Tree was on the list of passengers handed to aviation authorities, but have not been able to identify the bodies of those killed in the crash.
Tree performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina on June 4, and published a video on his Instagram Saturday where he is playing soccer in a Brazilian neighborhood.
The California-born musician launched to fame featuring on the song When I’m Down in 2016, with his eccentric hairstyles and outfits helping grab the attention of an influx of fans online.
He would later cement his place in the indie-pop genre with singles Life Goes On and Miss You both breaking into the Billboard Top 10.
Friends of the singer have posted heartbreaking tributes online.
“Can’t believe I’m actually having to type this,” English Youtuber KSI said in a post to social media.
“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.”
-With AP
