"A Robinson R-44 helicopter crashed near the village of Kuzmino in the Smolensk Region," the official said. "Two people died and one person was taken to a local hospital with serious burns."

An officer-on-duty at the ministry's regional center received a report about the crash at 06.38 Moscow time (02.38 GMT).

"The helicopter was completely burnt and its call signs were unrecognizable," the source said.

An investigation has been launched into the identities of the victims.

The Robinson R44 is a light, four-seat civilian helicopter produced by the U.S.-based Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992.