US EditionSenior state official among 5 dead after private plane crash in western India
Ajit Pawar and four others died when their Learjet 45 crash-landed near Baramati; poor visibility at the uncontrolled airfield is under investigation, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, 66, died when a private plane crashed in western India, and supporters mourned at the Nationalist Congress Party office in Mumbai.
- Crew reported the runway wasn't visible despite visibility around 3,000 meters, and India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the crash, local media cited poor visibility.
- The Learjet 45 en route from Mumbai to Baramati crash-landed and burst into flames near the runway, 254 kilometers from Mumbai, while television footage showed smoke rising from the wreckage.
- A key state leader, Ajit Pawar wielded considerable influence in Maharashtra's sugar belt, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a committed public servant with passion for empowering the poor.
- The airstrip at Baramati lacks a control tower and relies on instructors from nearby flying training organizations for traffic information, the Ministry of Civil Aviation noted.
28 Articles
28 Articles
By Rajesh Roy, New Delhi (AP) — A private plane carrying a senior state official crashed in western India on Wednesday, killing all five people on board, aviation officials said. The Learjet 45 was en route from India's financial capital, Mumbai, to Ajit Pawar's hometown of Baramati when it made an emergency landing and burst into flames in an open field near the runway, about 254 kilometers (159 miles) from Mumbai. Television footage showed smo…
Senior state official among 5 dead after private plane crash in western India
NEW DELHI (AP) — A private plane carrying a senior state official crashed in western India on Wednesday, killing all five people on board, aviation authorities said.The Learjet 45 was en route from India’s financial capital of Mumbai to Ajit Pawar’s home city Baramati when it crash-landed and burst into flames in an open field near the runway, 254 kilometers (159 miles) from Mumbai. Television footage showed smoke rising from the wreckage.Local …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
