Rio de Janeiro, Aug 09 (V7N) – At least four people have been killed after a tourist helicopter crashed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the pilot and three Colombian women from the same family among the victims.
The helicopter crashed on Saturday (August 8) while flying over Tijuca National Park, one of Rio de Janeiro's most popular tourist destinations. The park is surrounded by dense forest and mountains and is known for its panoramic views of the city.
According to Colombian Consul General in Rio de Janeiro Diana Paez, the three women killed in the crash were members of the same family. The family had travelled to Rio to celebrate a birthday.
Six members of the family had planned to take the helicopter in two groups because the aircraft could carry no more than three passengers at a time. The crash killed the family's grandmother, aunt and cousin.
The accident occurred near the Vista Chinesa area of Tijuca National Park, a popular lookout point featuring a small pagoda-like structure and views of the Christ the Redeemer statue and Rio's coastline.
Following the crash, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere called for stricter monitoring of tourist helicopter operations across the city.
Cavaliere said he had contacted Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and urged the agency to immediately strengthen oversight of helicopters operating in Rio and ensure passenger safety.
The mayor also said tourist helicopter flights could be suspended for one or two weeks while new safety measures are introduced. He expressed condolences to the victims' families.
The crash has renewed concerns over the safety of helicopter tourism in Rio de Janeiro. Helicopter tours are popular among visitors seeking aerial views of the city's landmarks.
Saturday's incident was the second helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro in two months. In June, six people, including American singer Oliver Tree, were killed in a separate helicopter accident.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the latest crash and assess whether additional safety measures are required for commercial helicopter operations in the city.
END/SMA/AJ
