Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar Killed as Aircraft Crashes Near Baramati, Witnesses Report Explosions. 

Baramati, Maharashtra:

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar (66) and four others were killed today morning when their aircraft crashed near Baramati airport in Pune district, according to officials. Eyewitnesses described the aircraft as appearing unstable in the air before it hit the ground and burst into flames, followed by multiple explosions.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m., shortly after the flight had taken off from Mumbai at 8:10 a.m., according to flight tracking data. The aircraft was en route to Baramati to attend public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zila Parishad elections.

One woman who witnessed the incident said the aircraft circled the airport before attempting to land. “It took a round in the air, appeared a bit unstable, and as it was approaching the runway, it hit the ground hard and exploded. The sound was so loud we could hear it from our home,” she said. Several debris parts were hurled into the air and fell near her residence.

Another eyewitness noted that the plane seemed to lose control as it descended. “It was around 100 feet above the runway. When we rushed toward it, the aircraft was engulfed in flames, followed by four to five consecutive blasts. The fire was massive, and it was frightening,” he said.

Police Superintendent Sandip Gill confirmed the crash and said rescue teams were immediately dispatched. “People on board were taken to the hospital, but tragically, all five occupants have died,” he added.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that the aircraft may have encountered technical difficulties while approaching the runway. The Civil Aviation Department and local police are coordinating to recover debris and gather evidence.

The tragic incident has shocked residents of Baramati, who described the scene as “terrifying” due to the explosions and fireball that followed the crash.