Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies In Aircraft Crash During Landing In Baramati

Maharashtra has been plunged into profound mourning following the tragic demise of its Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, and five other individuals in a devastating aircraft crash in the Pune district. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, saw a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK), operated by a private aviation service, lose control and crash while attempting to land in the Baramati area.

According to preliminary information, the aircraft encountered severe difficulties during its descent towards the Baramati airport runway. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene where the plane seemed to lose altitude rapidly, falling approximately 100 feet before impact. The subsequent crash-landing led to a massive explosion and the aircraft splitting into pieces, leaving no survivors on board.

The ill-fated Learjet 45 was carrying a total of six individuals: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, two additional personnel including a Personal Security Officer (PSO) and an attendant, and two crew members consisting of the pilot in-command and the first officer. The sudden loss of all occupants has sent shockwaves across the nation, particularly within Maharashtra's political circles.

Ajit Pawar, a towering figure in Maharashtra's political landscape, was the nephew of veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar, and cousin to Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. His political career was marked by extraordinary longevity and influence, having served as Deputy Chief Minister for an impressive six non-consecutive terms under various governments. His stints included tenures in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde, showcasing his adaptability and crucial role in state governance. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.

The news of the crash quickly reached the highest echelons of Indian leadership. The Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister were immediately apprised of the tragic developments. Both leaders extended their condolences and communicated with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to receive updates and express their grief. The Prime Minister, in a heartfelt statement, conveyed his deep sorrow over the incident, remarking on Ajit Pawar’s strong grassroots connection and his dedication to serving the people of Maharashtra. Similarly, the Defence Minister expressed profound shock and pain, highlighting Pawar’s unwavering commitment to the development and prosperity of the state throughout his extensive public life.

The Nationalist Congress Party, which Ajit Pawar led, has been plunged into deep mourning. Party members were visibly distraught, with many breaking down upon hearing the devastating news. Leaders from across the political spectrum, despite past differences, united in expressing their sorrow. A Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT) described the event as “shocking, painful, and heart-rending,” acknowledging Pawar’s commitment to his work. A Congress MP also remarked on the sadness of losing such an energetic leader so suddenly.

Adding a somber note to the tragedy, it was revealed that the Learjet 45 involved in this incident had a history of past mishaps. Reports indicated that the same aircraft had reportedly experienced another incident in September 2023, when it skidded off a runway while attempting to land amidst heavy rainfall at an airport in a major Indian city. This detail underscores questions that may arise regarding aircraft maintenance and operational protocols.

Emergency services, along with police and other officials, quickly cordoned off the crash site in Baramati. Visuals from the scene depicted the mangled wreckage of the aircraft, with smoke still billowing, and a somber gathering of locals. The area remained under intense scrutiny as investigators began the arduous task of piecing together the precise sequence of events that led to this catastrophic accident.

The passing of Ajit Pawar represents an irreplaceable loss to Maharashtra's political fabric and leaves a significant void in the state's leadership. The nation collectively grieves the untimely departure of a dedicated public servant and the lives of all those lost in this tragic incident.