TRAGIC PLANE CRASH IN BARAMATI: DGCA CONFIRMS NO SURVIVORS; MAHARASHTRA DEPUTY CM AMONG FIVE KILLE
Dehli, 28 January, 2026, : In a devastating aviation accident early Wednesday morning, a chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport, killing all five people on board, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed.
The DGCA statement said there were no survivors from the crash, which occurred as the Learjet-type charter flight approached the runway around 8:45 AM. Among the deceased were Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, three passengers and two crew members (one pilot and one cabin crew).
Local authorities, emergency services and fire crews rushed to the scene in the Pune district town after reports of a fiery crash. Video footage circulating from the crash site showed the aircraft breaking apart with smoke and flames rising from the wreckage, prompting an immediate response by rescue personnel.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawar was reportedly en route from Mumbai to Baramati for scheduled engagements ahead of local elections. The DGCA has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
NATIONAL LEADERS EXPRESS CONDOLENCES
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to express his grief, stating:
“Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.”
Home Minister Amit Shah, also on X, shared a heartfelt tribute to the late Deputy CM:
“Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed. The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words… I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.”
The crash has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape and prompted statements of mourning from across party lines and civil society. Chief state officials and security apparatus have been mobilized to support families of the victims and coordinate investigation efforts.
Further updates are expected as aviation experts and DGCA investigators release preliminary findings.
