Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Post by : Mina Rahman

On Wednesday morning, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, tragically perished in a plane crash near Baramati airport. The Bombardier Learjet 45, which he was aboard, was making an emergency landing when it met with disaster. The accident claimed the lives of four others—both pilots and two security personnel—alongside Pawar.

The chartered aircraft, registered as VT-SSK and operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., took off from Mumbai at around 8:10 AM. Initial attempts to land at Baramati were thwarted by poor visibility. A second landing attempt was made shortly after, but the plane vanished from radar near runway 11 at approximately 8:45 AM before crashing in a ball of fire near the runway.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, which was engulfed in thick smoke and flames, but unfortunately, no survivors were located. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has commenced an investigation into the incident, with poor visibility suspected as a significant factor in the crash.

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was en route to Baramati for public meetings ahead of the forthcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Just the day prior, he had been involved in a cabinet meeting in Mumbai. Following the incident, his family members, including his wife and son, hastened to Baramati.

The news has sent shockwaves throughout Maharashtra. The Prime Minister has extended his condolences, recalling Pawar as a dedicated leader with a strong connection to the community. Numerous leaders in the state have expressed their sorrow over his untimely death, recognizing his unwavering commitment and pivotal role in Maharashtra's progress.