✈️ SHOCKING PLANE CRASH: Ajit Pawar & 4 Others Perish in Baramati Fiery Wreck – DGCA Probe Launched
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a towering figure in state politics, lost his life in a devastating Learjet crash near Baramati airport this morning. The aircraft carrying the NCP leader veered off the runway during landing, erupting into flames and claiming five lives including pilots and security staff. Emergency teams battled thick smoke at the site.
Crash Timeline & Details
The VSR Aviation Learjet 45XR departed Mumbai at 8:30 AM for Baramati ahead of Zilla Parishad polls. On second approach around 9:12 AM, it lost control, skidded off runway, and burst into inferno. No mayday call; black box recovered.
Prior 2023 incident with same jet flagged maintenance concerns now under scrutiny.
Victims & Response
Confirmed deceased: Ajit Pawar (66), Pilot Capt. Sumit Kapur, Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Attendant Pinky Mali, Security Officer Vidhit Jadhav. Pawar en route for election rally. Rescue ops concluded; DNA tests underway.
PM Modi, Sharad Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis condoled; national mourning declared in Maharashtra.
Ajit Pawar’s Legacy
Baramati strongman since 1991, served 5 terms as Deputy CM. Championed irrigation (Jigaon Dam), rural dev. NCP split architect; key Mahayuti ally post-2023 polls.
Investigation & Political Fallout
- Probe: DGCA, AAIB teams on ground; focus runway conditions, pilot error, maintenance.
- Politics: NCP leadership vacuum; Baramati Lok Sabha bypoll looms.
- Regional: Maharashtra aviation safety review; Pawar family grieves amid tributes.
- Security: VIP flight protocols tightened post-incident.
National Reactions
Rahul Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray visited family. Funeral at Baramati likely tomorrow. Stock markets dipped on news.
