The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Pune district, has shaken Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with four others, lost their lives in the accident, creating widespread shock. Investigating agencies are working to determine the cause of the crash.
Victims on Board
The Learjet 45 aircraft, which took off at approximately 8:10 AM on Wednesday, crashed while attempting to land at the narrow runway of Baramati Airport. All five people on board perished after the plane caught fire. Initial reports suggest a possible technical fault may have contributed to the crash.
The full list of victims:
| Name | Position |
| Ajit Pawar | Deputy Chief Minister |
| Captain Sumit Kapoor | Pilot-in-Command |
| Captain Shambhavi Pathak | Co-Pilot |
| Vidip Jadhav | Personal Assistant (PA) |
| Pinky Mali | Personal Assistant (PA) |
Purpose of the Trip
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was en route to Baramati to review preparations for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections scheduled in Pune district on 5 February. His visit was considered politically significant. Authorities are currently investigating whether the crash resulted from a technical malfunction or pilot error during the landing.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses at the scene described the horrifying sequence of events. One eyewitness said:
“I saw everything with my own eyes. It was extremely painful. As the plane descended, it seemed it would crash—and it did. Flames erupted within minutes.”
Another said:
“We heard a loud blast in the air, then saw the aircraft rapidly descend. Moments later, flames engulfed it. It was terrifying, and there was nothing anyone could do to help.”
The tragic crash has left the state in mourning, with citizens and political leaders grappling with the sudden loss of a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics.
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