Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday formally announced the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and four others in a helicopter crash.

"With a very deep sense of regret, we have to announce the death of Y S Rajashekhara Reddy. He was a tall leader and it is a big loss to the country," Chidambaram said.

While the reasons for the crash were not known immediately, Chidambaram said the helicopter, which was going south towards Chittoor, had changed direction eastwards after crossing Kurnool towards Atmakur. It crashed on a hillock between two villages, one of which is Velugodu.
 
"Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Y S Rajashekhara Reddy and the families of the others who have died. We share our grief with the families," he said.

The wreckage was found by Air Force helicopters at 8.30 am on a hillock, which is 8 to 9 km from Atmakur, he said.

"It seems that the helicopter crashed on the hillock. It is not possible to say now why the copter crashed," said the home minister.

He told reporters that the bodies were charred and the helicopter had been broken into two pieces due to the impact of the crash.