Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash

Fatal Crash Claims Six Lives

A devastating aircraft tragedy struck Maharashtra early Wednesday morning when a Lear Jet 45 crashed at Baramati airport, killing six people including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, carrying registration VT-SSK, was en route from Mumbai when it veered off the runway during landing at 8:48 am and burst into flames.

Investigation and Response

The chartered aircraft had taken off from Mumbai at 8:10 am and was scheduled to land at 8:50 am. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Pawar was accompanied by two security personnel and two crew members. All six occupants perished in the crash. Besides Pawar, those killed included security staff member Vidhit Jadhav, pilots Sumit Kapur and Shambhavi Pathak, and passenger Pinki Jadhav. Rescue teams recovered all bodies and transported them to the hospital for identification.

Political Impact

Pawar was traveling to his hometown in Pune district to address four public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the tragedy. The Baramati airport, recently transferred to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company, confirmed that the aircraft went off the runway side and exploded upon impact.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by aviation authorities. The incident marks a significant loss for Maharashtra’s political landscape and highlights aviation safety concerns in the state.