PUNE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has died in a tragic plane crash in Pune district. The accident occurred near Baramati on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of the senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and four others. The incident has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape, with authorities confirming the total number of fatalities shortly after the wreckage was discovered.
The aircraft involved in the incident has been identified as a chartered Learjet 45 XR. According to reports, the plane was attempting to land on the Baramati runway when the crash occurred. Initial indications suggest the pilot was attempting a landing.
Scenes and reports from the crash site describe a devastating scene. The aircraft reportedly broke into pieces upon impact, with eyewitnesses and video footage from the scene confirming flames and heavy smoke. Debris was scattered over a wide area, with papers and wreckage visible at the crash site. The intensity of the crash was such that none of the five people on board survived.
Authorities have confirmed that five people died in the crash. This number includes Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, believed to be the pilot and accompanying crew members. Following confirmation of his death, arrangements for a state funeral have been announced to honor the veteran politician.