Team News Riveting
Mumbai, January 28
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday as the aircraft carrying him crashed while landing in Baramati in Maharashtra’s Pune.
All five people on board were killed in the mishap. Pawar had left Mumbai early in the morning for Baramati, which is his hometown. He was to address four public meetings ahead of the Zila Parishad election.
The privately-operated chartered plane crashed during approach, the police officials said. Pawar, his two security personnel and two crew members died, they added.
Videos circulating on social media showed the wreckage of the aircraft engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the site. Debris from the plane was seen scattered across the area.
Preliminary information suggests the aircraft ran into trouble during its final approach and crashed before touching down on the runway. The airport operations were temporarily suspended following the accident.
Emergency services and local authorities rushed to the site. What led to the crash has not yet been ascertained.
The President, Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu deo Sai expressed deep condolences on the demise of Ajit Pawar.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister said, “Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.”
