Pune : In a devastating incident on Wednesday morning, the aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district, resulting in the death of the senior leader along with five others on board, according to sources.
The private plane went down during its final approach in Baramati, triggering an immediate emergency response from rescue teams and local authorities. Footage from the scene showed wreckage scattered near the runway as firefighters worked to contain flames and debris.
Ajit Pawar, 66, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, was on his way to the region to participate in election-related engagements for the upcoming Zilla Parishad polls, according to early reports. His itinerary included multiple public meetings scheduled for later in the day.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud impact as the aircraft lost control moments before touching down, sending shockwaves through the Baramati community. Emergency services were on site shortly after the crash, and hospital teams were mobilised, though all six on board including Pawar were declared dead as per sources.
Political leaders and party officials have begun travelling to Baramati following the tragedy, and a formal investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities have not yet disclosed details on whether equipment failure, weather conditions or pilot error played a role in the accident.
This incident has sent shock through Maharashtra’s political landscape, with condolences pouring in from across the spectrum as the state mourns the loss of one of its most influential political figures.