Pawar (66) and four other persons were killed after their aircraft crashed near Baramati at 8.50 am, as per officials
The ill-fated aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar appeared “a bit unstable in the air” and exploded the moment it crashed on the ground near Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday morning, according to a woman eyewitness.
Another person who witnessed the incident said that after the crash, the aircraft burst into flames, followed by four to five consecutive blasts.
Pawar (66) and four other persons were killed after their aircraft crashed near Baramati at 8.50 am, as per officials.
Bollywood condoles Pawar’s demise
Smriti Irani tweeted- “Shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji in the tragic aircraft crash. His service to the people and years of political stewardship will be remembered with respect. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji in the tragic aircraft crash. His service to the people and years of political stewardship will be remembered with respect.
My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Om Shanti…— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 28, 2026
Riteish Deshmukh wrote- “Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. One of Maharashtra’s most dynamic leaders, he had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel. He never minced his words, his wit was unmatched, and he was deeply loved across the state.”
The actor added, “His untimely demise leaves behind a huge loss and an irreplaceable void. I have had the pleasure of interacting with him numerous times, will always remember for the kindness he showered upon me. My deepest condolences to the Pawar family, his loved ones, and millions of supporters.”
Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. One of Maharashtra’s most dynamic leaders, he had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel. He never minced his words, his wit… pic.twitter.com/nGQ3M1xf0Z
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) January 28, 2026
Madhur Bhandarkar said, “Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji . A towering figure in state politics, his loss is irreparable. Thoughts are with Sunetra ji , Parth, Jay, & the entire Pawar family members during this incredibly difficult time. Strength to them. #OmShanti.”
Details about the crash
The woman said she noticed the aircraft in the morning as it circled the Baramati airport.
“It took a round in the air, appeared a bit unstable and as it was approaching the runway to land, it hit the ground hard and exploded. There was a loud sound and could be heard at our home,” the woman told a news channel.
She said several parts of the aircraft were hurled into the air after the explosion and fell near her house. “The plane tilted before coming down. We saw the explosion and it was frightening,” she said.
Another eyewitness also said the aircraft appeared to be losing control as it descended.
“The way the plane was coming down, we felt it was going to crash. It was around 100 feet above the runway. As we rushed towards it, we saw flames, followed by four to five consecutive blasts, which prevented us from going anywhere near the aircraft,” he told reporters.
“It was a major fire. We later learned that Pawar was on the aircraft. It was shocking for us,” he added.
According to Flight Radar, the flight took off from Mumbai at 8.10 am and it disappeared from radar around 8.45 am.
With added inputs from agencies
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