KIEV - At least five people were killed after a military helicopter crashed Tuesday in Ukraine's central Kirovograd region, authorities reported.

The MI-8 helicopter crashed at around 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) shortly after taking off, the press service of the Interior Ministry said.

The helicopter was carrying five people, including three crew members and two workers. All of them died on the spot, the press service said.

An investigation into the crash is in the process.