Copter hit hillock before crashing, says Andhra officialIndia News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Andhra Pradesh Government Chief Secretary P.Ramakanth Reddy said the copter in which Chief Minister Y.S. Rajashekhara Reddy was traveling hit the top of Sreesailam hill in the Nallamalla forest area before exploding into bits and pieces. Speaking to newsmen here on Thursday, Reddy said: "According to the initial reports, the pilots of the copter appeared to have deviated from the given track or route due to the bad weather and hit the top of the hillock, crashed and then blasted into bits and pieces. Only the tail of the copter is remaining." He explained "The terrain was very difficult, only the specialized commandos who are trained to handle such situations, could go to the area." Two army helicopters failed to identify the location of the crash. Commandos descended from the copter and conducted the search operation,"Reddy said. "Initially, the commandos located three bodies, the other two were scattered at different places. So, it took some time to locate them," Reddy explained. "All the bodies are in a state of decay due to the heavy pouring since Wednesday morning, and they were burnt and charred."Reddy said. In the matter like this the administration has to take utmost care, that's the reason the confirmation has been delayed," he added. State Finance Minister K.Rossaiah said " It was a great loss not only to me, but also to the state of Andhra Pradesh and the nation at large. He also informed that the Chief Minister's body will be placed in state at the Lal Bahaddur Shastri stadium in Hyderabad to allow the public and supporters to pay their last respects. The last rites of the Y.S.Rajashekhara Reddy will take place in his native village in Cuddapah district.