Did Ajit Pawar's Learjet 45 Crash in Baramati?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) The jet carrying Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been confirmed as a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), a compact aircraft often utilized for VIP travel. The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., crash-landed in proximity to Baramati on Wednesday.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was on board alongside four other individuals.
The jet was transporting five persons: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, a personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two crew members -- a pilot-in-command (PIC) and a first officer (FO). Preliminary reports indicate that none of the five onboard survived the incident.
The crash transpired as the aircraft was in the process of landing at Baramati. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, and local authorities, alongside airport staff, initiated rescue and recovery efforts.
The cause of the crash is currently undetermined.
This unfortunate event has reverberated throughout Maharashtra and the entire nation, considering that Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is a prominent figure among the state’s political leadership. A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is anticipated, with officials scrutinizing technical and operational elements.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and is actively monitoring the situation. Authorities are in the process of confirming the identities of the crew and other personnel involved.
The jet crashed during its landing approach near Baramati. Footage from the scene reveals flames and smoke, twisted remnants of the aircraft, and ambulances transporting the injured to nearby medical facilities. Bystanders at the wreckage were attempting to provide assistance in any way possible.
This incident occurred around 9 a.m., approximately one hour after the plane took off from Mumbai.
The family of Deputy CM Pawar hastened to the crash site. His wife and party MP Sunetra, along with their son Parth, traveled from Delhi to Baramati, accompanied by the leader's cousin and NCP-SP working president Supriya Sule.
During the ongoing elections for the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was en route from Mumbai to Baramati to participate in a public meeting.
Emergency services and senior security personnel have reached the Baramati site. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately after the aircraft lost control during the landing phase.