Baramati, Maharashtra – In a tragic and shocking moment that has deeply affected the state of Maharashtra, a chartered plane carrying the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, along with four other people, crashed on the morning of Wednesday, January 28, 2026. All five people on board lost their lives in the accident.
The aircraft, a Learjet 45 with the registration VT-SSK, was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, where the Deputy CM was scheduled to attend public events and political meetings. The plane was attempting to land at the Baramati airport at around 8:45 a.m. local time. However, something went seriously wrong during the final approach to the runway.
Eyewitnesses at the airport reported a terrifying scene that unfolded in just a few seconds. One local resident, speaking to news agency ANI, said he saw the aircraft descending in a way that made it look like it would crash. Moments later, the plane indeed hit the ground hard and immediately burst into flames. What followed were loud explosions. “There was a huge explosion,” the eyewitness said. “After the first blast, we saw and heard four to five more explosions at the crash site.”
As smoke rose high into the sky, villagers and bystanders rushed toward the crash area. Many tried to help the victims, but the fire was extremely strong and could not be controlled quickly. Several people who reached near the wreckage said that the heat and smoke were so intense that it made it almost impossible to get close. Anyone who came near had to step back for their own safety.
The plane was carrying a total of five people:
- Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a senior political leader.
- Two of his security personnel, including a personal security officer and an attendant.
- Two crew members, including the pilot-in-command and the first officer.
Baramati airport officials confirmed that the aircraft was trying to land on the runway when it suddenly veered off course. The plane went to the side of the runway and then crashed. The impact caused it to break apart and catch fire. Firefighters and emergency services reached the crash site quickly, but by the time they arrived, the fire had grown too intense, and no one could be saved.
Videos and photos taken at the scene show thick black smoke rising from the scattered wreckage of the aircraft spread across an open field near the runway. Some parts of the plane were still burning even as emergency workers struggled to keep the flames under control.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced that it will begin a full investigation into the cause of the crash. They will examine the flight data, the maintenance history of the aircraft, weather conditions at the time, and all other possible factors that might have contributed to the accident. Officials have said that it is too early to determine exactly what caused the plane to veer off the runway during its landing attempt.
The sudden loss of a high-ranking leader and his team has sent shockwaves through politics in Maharashtra and across India. Senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have spoken to the Maharashtra Chief Minister and expressed their grief and condolences. They described the incident as deeply tragic and expressed sympathy for the families of all those who lost their lives.
As news of the crash spread, citizens, political figures, and local communities began sharing their sorrow and grief. Many remembered Ajit Pawar for his years in public service and his long political career. Vigils and tributes have started in various parts of the state as people come to terms with the news.
Baramati airport operations were temporarily suspended following the accident as rescue teams and investigators took control of the area. Flights were redirected or delayed until the site was cleared and safe for normal operations.
In the days ahead, officials from aviation authorities, including the DGCA, will release more detailed findings on why the aircraft crashed and what might have been done to prevent this disaster. Families of the victims will receive support from the state government as arrangements are made for final rites and official procedures.
This tragic event has reminded many how quickly life can change and how important aviation safety and emergency response systems are in protecting lives. As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the sudden loss of life and waits for answers about what caused this devastating accident.
