Senior Maharashtra Leader Killed in Charter Plane Crash
A tragic air charter crash in India’s western state of Maharashtra has resulted in the death of a senior political leader and four others, according to aviation officials on Wednesday.
The small charter aircraft caught fire after going down in an open field, leaving no survivors, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed in a preliminary statement.
Victims Include Crew and Political Staff
Authorities said the aircraft was carrying the state’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, along with two members of his personal staff and two crew members. All five people on board died in the crash.
“No person on board survived the accident,” the aviation regulator said, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause.
Flight Was Headed for Political Engagement
Local media reports said the aircraft had departed from Mumbai and was headed to Baramati, Pawar’s political stronghold, where he was scheduled to campaign for upcoming local body elections.
The aircraft reportedly attempted an emergency landing shortly before the crash, which occurred roughly 250 kilometres from Mumbai.
Visuals Show Burning Wreckage
Video footage aired by Indian television channels showed thick smoke rising from the wreckage, with debris scattered across farmland. Fire and emergency services were rushed to the scene, but rescue efforts were unsuccessful.
Political Significance
Ajit Pawar was a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics and belonged to one of the state’s most influential political families. He had aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after leading a factional split from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023.
Probe Underway
The DGCA said a technical team has been dispatched to examine the crash site. Officials are expected to review flight data, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance records as part of the investigation.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the Maharashtra air charter crash.
