A catastrophic plane crash in Baramati claimed the life of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday, sending shockwaves across the nation. The accident occurred during landing at the local airstrip, where the plane erupted in flames after two failed approach attempts.
Speaking exclusively, eyewitness Raju detailed the horror: ‘It was about 8:45 AM. The plane circled twice, then crashed on the runway and was completely engulfed.’ Amid the chaos, residents battled the inferno with buckets and wet cloths until professional firefighters intervened.
The grim confirmation of Pawar’s presence came via his recognizable wristwatch recovered from the debris. ‘That’s when we knew it was Ajit Dada,’ said Nikita Atolle, who heard the thunderous explosion post-crash. Monomali Prakash added, ‘We got there as smoke poured out. Bodies were badly burned; police had to extract them carefully.’
Tributes flooded in swiftly. CM Devendra Fadnavis lamented, ‘I’ve lost a powerful, big-hearted friend. This is an irreplaceable personal loss and a tragedy for Maharashtra.’ PM Modi echoed the sentiments, highlighting Pawar’s contributions as a people-connected leader.
Pawar was traveling for election commitments, underscoring the high stakes of his visit. The fiery wreckage raised immediate concerns over aircraft maintenance and pilot error. As forensic teams comb the site, Pawar’s family and NCP supporters grapple with unimaginable grief.
His career, marked by resilience through political storms and development initiatives in Pune region, now ends abruptly. Maharashtra’s political alliances may shift, but Pawar’s influence endures. This disaster serves as a stark reminder of aviation risks for public figures, prompting calls for stricter safety protocols.