Pune Plane Crash Claims Five Lives Including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
A tragic aircraft crash near the Baramati airstrip in Pune on Wednesday morning resulted in the deaths of all five people on board, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The small aircraft was completely destroyed by fire, with first responders discovering a scene of devastation at Atole Vasti.
First Responders Encounter Scene of Destruction
S T Ingawale, the fire station officer at Baramati MIDC, described the harrowing scene that greeted emergency crews. "We received an emergency call at 8.57am and immediately dispatched two fire tenders to the location," Ingawale stated. "Upon arrival, we found the mangled remains of the aircraft scattered across the area. The fire had spread to nearby trees and grass, with flames reaching extraordinary heights due to the aircraft fuel."
After firefighters managed to control the blaze, they discovered the grim reality of the situation. "We found two charred bodies outside the aircraft wreckage and three more inside," Ingawale explained. "All victims were completely burnt and showed no signs of movement. We immediately transported them to hospital using ambulances."
Eyewitness Account of the Fatal Crash
Raghu Maruti Atole, a 65-year-old farmer who lives close to the accident site, provided a chilling eyewitness account. He was feeding his cattle when he first noticed the small aircraft heading toward the airstrip. "The aircraft's tail struck a tree during its approach," Atole recalled.
"Within minutes, the aircraft returned from the railway gate side toward the landing area around 8.45am. It was visibly swaying before there was a sudden, loud explosion-like noise. I rushed toward the airstrip and saw flames shooting nearly 50 feet into the air. Aircraft parts were scattered everywhere."
Before Atole could take any action or contact authorities, he heard the approaching sirens of fire brigade vehicles. When questioned about weather conditions, Atole confirmed there was dense fog in the area at the time of the accident.
Police Investigation and Victim Identification
Sandeep Singh Gill, Superintendent of Police for Pune Rural, confirmed the tragic details. "Five individuals, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, were traveling on the plane that crashed in Baramati around 8.55am while approaching the airport," Gill stated.
"All five victims were transported to hospital where they were pronounced dead." The police team arrived to find the aircraft completely engulfed in flames and waited for fire brigade personnel to complete their work before beginning their investigation.
"The bodies were severely charred, requiring DNA testing to establish their identities," the police officer explained. "After identification, we contacted their relatives. A special committee has been formed to thoroughly investigate this tragic incident."
Crash Site Secured for Investigation
As news spread about Ajit Pawar's demise, crowds began gathering at the crash site. Multiple police teams from various stations arrived promptly to cordon off the area and maintain security. Forensic experts and CID officers also reached the location to conduct detailed examinations of the wreckage and surrounding area.
The investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues, with authorities examining all possible factors including weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot error. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political landscape and aviation community.
