At least six people were killed after two helicopters collided mid-air and crashed in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, according to Brazilian firefighters.

The accident occurred over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighbourhood in western Rio, where the two aircraft collided before crashing into the parking area of an electric vehicle dealership.

Brazilian authorities identified the helicopters involved as an Airbus H125 and a Bell 206B Jet Ranger. According to local media reports, the collision took place at around 8:59 a.m. local time.

“Reports indicate that the helicopters collided in mid-air and crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles," the fire brigade said in a statement.