Four killed in helicopter crash in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro

Three Colombian tourists from same family are among the victims of Saturday’s crash on mountainside forest of Tijuca National Park.At least four people have been killed in a helicopter crash in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, according to a statement from the Colombian consul in the country.Saturday’s crash involved a pilot and three Colombian women who were members of the same family.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Six people killed as helicopters collide over Brazil’s Rio de Janeirolist 2 of 3Poll shows Lula and Bolsonaro tied before Brazil’s presidential electionlist 3 of 3US to designate two Brazilian gangs as ‘terrorist’ organisationsend of listThey were reportedly on a sightseeing flight over Tijuca National Park, a densely forested, mountainous area on the edge of the city.In the aftermath of the crash, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere called for more oversight of helicopter flights, a popular tourist activity. He even suggested such flights could be suspended “for a week or two”, as new safety measures are implemented.“My solidarity to the families of the victims of the helicopter accident that happened today near Vista Chinesa within the Tijuca National Park,” Cavaliere said in a social media post.He added that he had been in contact with Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, ANAC.“City Hall has requested that ANAC take immediate action to intensify oversight and ensure safety in helicopter flights that are circulating with increasing frequency in our city,” Cavaliere explained.“We place the entire apparatus of City Hall at the disposal of ANAC to support the measures and actions that may be necessary.”The crash took place near Vista Chinesa, a lookout point crowned by a small bamboo pagoda. Tijuca National Park is a top destination in Rio de Janeiro, famous for its Christ the Redeemer statue and sweeping vistas of the coastal city.Diana Paez, the Colombian consul general in Rio de Janeiro, told the news agency AFP that the three women on Saturday’s flight were part of a family that had travelled to the city to celebrate a girl’s 15th birthday.