Baramati Plane Crash Claims Five Lives Including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
A devastating aircraft crash near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district on Wednesday morning resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The small plane, which was approaching for landing, crashed violently, erupting into a massive fireball that consumed the aircraft and surrounding vegetation.
First Responders Confront Horrific Scene
Emergency services received the distress call at 8.57 am, prompting the immediate dispatch of two fire tenders from the Baramati MIDC fire station. Fire officer S T Ingawale described arriving at Atole Vasti to find a scene of utter devastation.
"We saw the mangled remains of the aircraft scattered around, and the fire had engulfed nearby trees and grass. The flames were high due to the presence of fuel," Ingawale reported. "After we controlled the fire, we discovered two people outside the aircraft and three inside. They were burnt and motionless. We transported them to a hospital in ambulances."
Eyewitness Account of the Fatal Moments
Local farmer Raghu Maruti Atole, whose residence sits close to the accident site, provided a chilling account of the aircraft's final moments. The 65-year-old was feeding his cattle when he observed the small plane heading toward the airstrip, its tail striking a tree.
"Within a few minutes, the aircraft returned toward the landing side from the railway gate direction around 8.45 am," Atole recounted. "The aircraft was swaying unsteadily. Then suddenly, there was a loud noise resembling a blast. I rushed toward the airstrip and witnessed flames reaching approximately 50 feet high. Aircraft parts were scattered everywhere."
The eyewitness confirmed that dense fog had enveloped the area at the time of the incident. Before he could alert anyone, the sirens of approaching fire brigade vehicles pierced the morning air.
Police Investigation and Victim Identification
Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed that all five passengers aboard the ill-fated aircraft, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, were pronounced dead at the hospital. The crash occurred around 8.55 am as the plane approached the airport.
"A police team found the aircraft completely engulfed in flames," Gill stated. "We waited for the fire brigade to complete their extinguishing operations. The bodies were severely charred, requiring DNA testing to establish their identities before we could contact their relatives."
The police officer announced that a special committee would be formed to investigate the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.
Multi-Agency Response and Site Security
Following the tragic incident, teams from various Pune rural police stations swiftly arrived at the crash site. As news spread about Ajit Pawar's demise, crowds began gathering, prompting authorities to cordon off the area to preserve evidence and maintain order.
Forensic experts and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers also reached the location to conduct thorough examinations of the wreckage and surrounding area. The multi-agency response underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating this high-profile aviation disaster.
The Baramati plane crash represents one of Maharashtra's most significant aviation tragedies in recent years, claiming the life of a prominent political figure and four others. As investigations proceed, questions about aviation safety protocols, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance will likely come under intense scrutiny.
