Maharashtra woke up to hear devastating news on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was confirmed dead after the aircraft he was travelling in crash-landed near Baramati Airport in Pune district.
The Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) chartered from Mumbai crashed during its final approach at around 8:45 AM, bursting into flames and scattering wreckage across the field.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant and two crew members were on board — and tragically, there were no survivors.
The Deputy CM was en route to Baramati to attend a series of public meetings and campaign events ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad local elections.
Visuals and eyewitness accounts from the crash site show thick plumes of smoke and wreckage engulfed in flames as emergency teams rushed to control the blaze and recover the victims.
In the wake of the tragedy, political leaders across India — from allies to opposition figures — have poured in condolences, calling the accident a deep loss for Maharashtra and the nation.
Investigations into the cause of the crash have begun, with officials examining possible technical faults, landing difficulties or environmental factors that may have contributed to the disaster.
As Maharashtra grapples with shock and mourning today, authorities continue their efforts at the site and more details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.
FAQ: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Plane Crash (January 28, 2026)
Q1: What happened?
A1: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s aircraft crash-landed near Baramati Airport in Pune district on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) caught fire upon impact, and sadly, there were no survivors.
Q2: Who was on board the aircraft?
A2: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members were on board.
Q3: Were there any survivors?
A3: No, tragically all five people on board died in the crash.
Q4: Where and when did the crash occur?
A4: The crash happened near Baramati Airport, Pune district, during the aircraft’s final approach at around 8:45 AM.
Q5: Why was Deputy CM Ajit Pawar travelling?
A5: He was en route to Baramati to attend a series of public meetings and campaign events ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad local elections.
Q6: How did authorities respond to the crash?
A6: Emergency teams rushed to the site to control the fire, recover the victims, and secure the wreckage. Thick plumes of smoke were reported by eyewitnesses at the scene.
Q7: Has anyone commented on the incident?
A7: Political leaders across India, including allies and opposition figures, expressed condolences, calling it a huge loss for Maharashtra and the nation.
Q8: What is being done to investigate the cause?
A8: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other officials have begun investigations, examining possible technical faults, landing issues, or environmental factors that could have contributed to the crash.
Q9: What is the current situation at the crash site?
A9: Authorities continue recovery and investigation operations, with more details expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
Q10: How has Maharashtra reacted?
A10: The state is in shock and mourning, with officials and citizens expressing grief over the sudden loss of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
