Ajit Pawar Death News Live Updates: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was among five people killed after a private aircraft crash-landed and caught fire in Pune district on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, identified as a VT-SSK Learjet 45, was carrying three passengers, one pilot and one crew member. Pawar was travelling to Baramati from Mumbai to address public meetings for the February 5 zilla parishad elections.
Here’s the sequence of events leading to the crash:
- Aircraft contacted Baramati airfield at 8:18 am
- Pilot reported runway not visible, initiated go-around
- Aircraft later reported runway in sight
- ATC cleared aircraft to land on Runway 11
- Flames seen near runway; crash confirmed shortly after
- Ajit Pawar, 4 others death confirmed in plane crash.
VSR Ventures, operating the Learjet 45 aircraft VT-SSK, said that the pilot was unable to see the runway at the time of landing. The pilot had approx 16,000 hours of flying experience, while the co-pilot had approx 1,500 hours of experience. There was no technical failure reported in the aircraft.
Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and his sons Parth and Jay Pawar.
Eyewitnesses said the aircraft appeared unstable while descending before crashing and exploding on impact. Multiple explosions were heard as the aircraft was engulfed in flames, leaving locals unable to rescue those trapped inside.
Political leaders across the country expressed shock and grief. PM Modi wrote on X, “Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the deaths. Banerjee also called for a thorough investigation into the case.
The Maharashtra government has announced a three-day period of state mourning and declared a public holiday. Officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau reached Baramati and began formal examination linked to the incident.
