Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that the accident claimed the lives of all 6 people onboard, sending shockwaves across the state and the nation.
64-year old Pawar is survived by wife Sunetra, sons Jay and Parth.
A private airc
raft carrying senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar and others attempted to land at the Baramati airstrip in Pune district at 08.45 am. The plane reportedly developed a technical snag mid-air, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing.
During the attempt, the aircraft crashed in a field near the runway, erupting into flames and leaving the wreckage scattered.
Pawar was travelling with his security personnel and crew members. The accident site quickly drew large crowds of locals, who rushed to assist rescue teams and emergency services. According to officials, all six passengers, including Pawar, were declared dead upon arrival at the local hospital.
The crash took place in Baramati, Pawar’s political stronghold and hometown. He was scheduled to attend 4 public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad polls.