American singer Oliver Tree has been identified as one of the passengers in a fatal mid-air helicopter collision that killed at least six people. 

The crash occurred in Rio De Janero, Brazil, on Sunday afternoon. The helicopters crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that engulfed at least 20 vehicles.

Firefighters said that initial reports pointed to a mid-air collision, adding 'six fatalities have been confirmed, all were crew members of the aircraft involved in the accident.'

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere said that there were 'foreign nationals on board one of the aircraft,' without giving further details.

CNN soon reported that Oliver Tree, the 32-year-old singer best known for the hit song Life Goes On, was among the victims. 

New dramatic footage has emerged showing the planes colliding in the air before crashing to the ground.

Fire services spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Fabio Contreiras told CNN Brasil at the scene that it was unclear exactly how the accident unfolded.

'Parts of the aircraft are scattered hundreds of meters away, so the information we have is still very preliminary.

'We really need to get the recordings and videos to understand exactly what happened,' he said.

Contreiras said rescue workers had discovered one helicopter in flames among the electric cars, with five victims inside.

A second helicopter found around 330ft away was carrying only the pilot, who also died.

The accident took place in the suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes.

Images in local media showed a thick plume of black smoke rising from the car dealership, where several vehicles were on fire.

Contreiras said the fact that the aircraft had crashed in the parking area had prevented a higher death toll.

'Given the surrounding residences, the accident could have been far more tragic,' he said.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.