At least six people were killed when two helicopters collided mid-air and crashed in the western suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, according to Brazilian firefighters. The helicopters collided above a parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that consumed around 20 vehicles.

Authorities confirmed that all six fatalities were crew members aboard the aircraft involved in the accident. Firefighters responded to the scene where thick black smoke was visible rising from the dealership as several cars burned.

The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation. Brazilian officials have noted that small aircraft accidents are relatively common in the country, which ranks as the world's fifth-largest by area. In a similar incident last month, a small plane crashed into a building in Belo Horizonte, killing both the pilot and copilot.

Emergency teams worked to extinguish the flames and secure the area following the crash. There have been no reports of injuries to people on the ground. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the mid-air collision.