What DGCA said on Ajit Pawar plane crash
What's the story
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on Wednesday. The incident took place when the aircraft he was traveling in attempted to land at Baramati airport. There were five people on board, including Pawar, and all have been confirmed dead by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Flight details
Pawar's last journey: From Mumbai to Baramati
The DGCA in its statement said, "Aircraft crash landed at Baramati. Sh. Ajit Pawar, Dy. CM, Maharashtra was onboard along with 2 more personnel (1 PSO and 1 attendant) and 2 crew (PIC+FO) members. As per initial information, no person on board has survived the crash." The aircraft, a Learjet 45 with registration number VT-SSK, was operated by VSR. It was on its way from Mumbai to Baramati for campaign rallies ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.
Witness report
Eyewitness account of the crash
An eyewitness, who runs a shop near Baramati Airport, told The Indian Express that the aircraft made a loud noise while landing. "It appeared to try landing but slid off the runway, and there was a big explosion. They pulled out four to five bodies from the aircraft," they said. Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill confirmed that five bodies have been taken to the hospital for identification and post-mortem procedures.
Company profile
VSR: Private aviation company behind the crash
VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a private aviation firm based in New Delhi, operates charter flights under the name VSR Aviation. Founded in 2011, it offers on-demand private jet flights and does not have regular airline services. Instead, it offers on-demand private jet flights to clients. It operates corporate jets such as Learjet aircraft for chartered trips. Vijay Kumar Singh is listed as a director of the company in corporate records.
Public response
Condolences pour in for Pawar's family
Condolences have started pouring in for Pawar's family. Dr K Sudhakar of Bharatiya Janata Party expressed his shock and offered condolences. "Extremely shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash," he wrote. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "This is very shocking, painful and heart-rending. There have been differences between us, but we have worked together. He was a really committed man who kept to his work."