Maharashtra was plunged into deep shock on Tuesday after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was dead in a plane crash during landing at Baramati airport. The charter aircraft, which was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati, met with a fatal accident at around 8:45 am while attempting to land. DGCA officials confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash and that five people were on board the aircraft, including Ajit Pawar, three passengers, one pilot, and one crew member. Visuals from the crash site revealed intense fire, thick smoke, and severely charred aircraft debris, indicating the seriousness of the impact. Emergency services rushed to the spot immediately, but the fire had already engulfed major portions of the aircraft.

According to on-ground reports, the crash resulted in most parts of the aircraft being completely burned, making rescue efforts extremely challenging. Police officials, fire personnel, medical teams, and local administration rushed to the site within minutes of the incident. Party workers and senior leaders also reached Baramati as news of the tragedy spread rapidly. Ajit Pawar was on his way to Baramati to attend four election rallies ahead of upcoming local body polls. Hospitals in the region were placed on high alert, though authorities later confirmed that there were no survivors. The airport area was cordoned off, and security was tightened to allow investigators to examine the wreckage without interference.

Aviation authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, with initial focus on technical malfunction, weather conditions, and runway-related factors. DGCA officials stated that further details would be released after a thorough assessment of flight data and wreckage analysis. The incident has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, with leaders from across parties expressing grief and condolences. Citizens across Maharashtra and the country mourn the loss of a senior leader whose political influence shaped state politics for decades. This remains one of the most tragic aviation incidents involving a senior political leader in recent times, and further official updates are expected as the investigation progresses.