New Delhi, Jan 28:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to senior Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar following the death of his nephew and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a tragic plane crash near Baramati. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and said he would attend the cremation scheduled for Thursday, along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In a post earlier in the day, Mr. Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the accident and prayed for strength and courage for the families of those who lost their lives. “I share in the grief of all those who have lost their loved ones in this accident,” he wrote.

The sudden demise of Ajit Pawar sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape, with leaders across party lines describing it as a “black day” for the state. President Droupadi Murmu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and several Union Ministers also expressed grief over the loss.

According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Learjet 45 aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd crash-landed at Baramati airfield at 8.44 a.m., killing all five on board, including Mr. Pawar and two pilots. The Deputy Chief Minister was scheduled to attend public programmes in Baramati later in the day.

Details emerging from the final moments of the flight revealed that the crew had reported difficulty in sighting the runway during their approach. After initiating a go-around, they attempted a second landing. Seconds before clearance, the crew informed air traffic personnel that the runway was “currently not in sight.” Moments later, flames were spotted near the threshold of Runway 11.

Also Read: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies In Plane Crash In Baramati

Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield where traffic information is provided by local flying training organisations. Officials said visibility was around 3,000 metres at the time of the crash, with calm winds. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been tasked with probing the incident.

Emergency services rushed to the site, but no survivors were found. The wreckage was discovered on the left side of Runway 11, close to the threshold.

The tragedy has cast a pall over Maharashtra politics, with tributes pouring in for Mr. Pawar, remembered as a seasoned leader and administrator.