Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar of Maharashtra and head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) died on Wednesday morning after the chartered aircraft he was on crashed near Baramati Airport while attempting to land. The accident also claimed the lives of four other people on board including the two pilots and the security personnel belonging to Pawar.
The incident occurred while Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to pay a series of political visits before the upcoming elections of Zilla Parishad in the state, as part of the party’s outreach ahead of local body elections.
Flight and Crash Details
The plane was a Bombardier Learjet 45 a private charter company based in Mumbai and took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai at about 8:10 am IST. The jet was to land in Baramati Airport at about 40 minutes.The aircraft went down near the airport perimeter shortly after the aborted landing.
CCTV footage released by authorities showed the aircraft bursting into flames on impact near the runway perimeter, and debris was spread across the area. According to the DGCA, all five people on board were killed.
Victims Confirmed: Who Was On Board
The crash left no survivors. Along with the Deputy Chief Minister, the deceased have been identified as:
- Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister
- Two pilots
- Pawar’s Personal Security Officer (PSO)
- A security staff
Purpose of the Visit Why Pawar Was Flying to Baramati
Pawar was heading to Baramati to attend scheduled meetings that were part of his party’s preparation of the Zilla Parishad elections that would take place in the coming months in the local bodies. The meetings were part of the party’s election outreach in key constituencies.
Baramati has been a key constituency in Pawar’s political career since 1991. Baramati has been an important constituency in his political career.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Local emergency services and rescue teams rushed to the crash site, and worked to control the fire and secure the wreckage and debris. Nevertheless, the extent of the aftermath and fire rendered rescue teams were deployed at the site.
Political Reactions and Public Condolences
Leaders across India expressed condolences. Prime minister Narendra Modi called the incident shocking and saddening and praised the dedication of Pawar to serving the people and his grass root connection.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed condolences and acknowledged Pawar’s contribution to Maharashtra’s governance and welfare initiatives. He expressed condolences to Pawar’s family and supporters.
A number of leaders in the state and other prominent personalities lamented and took a look back at the decades long political career of Pawar and the touch of administration he had in the state of Maharashtra.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a detailed investigation into the crash. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reached the site to examine the wreckage and collect key evidence, including the Flight Data Recorder (black box), which will help reconstruct the final moments of the flight.
Officials have stated that the exact cause of the accident is not yet known.Investigators are examining the circumstances leading to the crash, and the landing approach procedures before drawing conclusions. The DGCA has also initiated its own assessment as part of standard aviation safety protocols.
Tribute of State and National Leaders.
The incident was followed by tributes by Prime minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and political leaders on either side of the political divide including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule.
Leaders described his death as a major loss to the state. Leaders remembered his years in public life.
Conclusion
The crash marks a major loss for Maharashtra’s political leadership. Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause. His death has prompted tributes across the state and political spectrum.
Political leaders and supporters have paid tributes across Maharashtra.
