Subhechcha Ganguly 
A chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday, killing all five people on board. The tragic incident triggered multiple explosions followed by a massive blaze moments after the aircraft touched down.
According to officials, the plane was carrying five occupants — Ajit Pawar, two accompanying staff members including a personal security officer and an attendant, and two crew members comprising the pilot-in-command and the first officer.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described chaotic moments after the crash. Locals rushed towards the wreckage in an attempt to rescue those inside, but the intense fire made it impossible to reach the aircraft. “People tried to pull the passengers out, but the flames were too strong. Knowing Ajit Pawar was on board makes this extremely painful,” one witness said.
Videos circulating from the crash site show thick plumes of smoke rising from the charred remains of the aircraft, with debris scattered across an open field near the runway.
Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware told Hindustan Times that the aircraft, identified as VT-SSK, veered off the runway while attempting to land and exploded upon impact. He confirmed that the jet was a Learjet 45, chartered from Mumbai.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, while emergency teams continue operations at the site
