Xinhua reported citing a preliminary report from the local Fire Department, that the victims included a group of sightseers visiting Lake Furnas whose helicopter appeared to have technical problems on takeoff, leading the aircraft to crash into the water.
Videos and images released on social media captured the moment of the accident when thousands of people were strolling around the lake during the summer holidays.
According to the Brazilian Air Force, inspectors from the country's Aeronautical Accident Research and Prevention Center were called to investigate the incident.
AMK/PR