'Hit the ground hard and exploded': Eyewitnesses on Ajit Pawar plane crash

BARAMATI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar, the most energetic leader, fondly called 'Dada', who set an example for Maharashtra by starting his day at dawn, passed away on Wednesday in a plane crash in Baramati. The horrific accident occurred this morning as he was heading for Baramati to address political rallies amid the ongoing Pune zilla parishad and panchayat samitis.

The aircraft crashed during landing and was literally blown into pieces. As news of his passing spread within moments, the entire state of Maharashtra was plunged into mourning.

According to the DGCA information, the others who died include Vidip Jadhav and Pinky Mali (PSO and attendant), two crew members, Captain Sumit Kapur and Captain Shambhavi Pathak. Ajit Pawar and the other injured individuals were admitted for treatment in Baramati in extremely critical condition. However, he passed away while undergoing treatment.