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2 months ago
Senior state official among 5 dead after private plane crash in western India
Summary
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 media cited poor visibility as a possible cause of the crash, which is being investigated by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, meaning it doesn't have a dedicated air traffic control tower, according to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Traffic information at the airstrip is provided by instructors from nearby flying training organizations.
The ministry said the aircraft's crew enquired about winds and visibility with a local instructor before attempting to land. The crew initially reported that the runway wasn't visible despite calm winds and visibility being around 3,000 meters.
Pawar, 66, was the deputy chief minister of India’s western Maharashtra state. He was traveling to Baramati to campaign in a local election.
Two of his staff and two crew members on board the mid-size aircraft also died, the directorate general of civil aviation said in a statement.
Pawar was a key figure in state politics and served as the second highest elected official in Maharashtra as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition. He wielded considerable influence in the the state’s sugar belt and was known for his ability to mobilize rural voters.
Modi described Pawar as a committed public servant.
“His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy,” Modi said on X. “His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers.”
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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 media cited poor visibility as a possible cause of the crash, which is being investigated by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, meaning it doesn't have a dedicated air traffic control tower, according to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Traffic information at the airstrip is provided by instructors from nearby flying training organizations.
The ministry said the aircraft's crew enquired about winds and visibility with a local instructor before attempting to land. The crew initially reported that the runway wasn't visible despite calm winds and visibility being around 3,000 meters.
Pawar, 66, was the deputy chief minister of India’s western Maharashtra state. He was traveling to Baramati to campaign in a local election.
Two of his staff and two crew members on board the mid-size aircraft also died, the directorate general of civil aviation said in a statement.
Pawar was a key figure in state politics and served as the second highest elected official in Maharashtra as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition. He wielded considerable influence in the the state’s sugar belt and was known for his ability to mobilize rural voters.
Modi described Pawar as a committed public servant.
“His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy,” Modi said on X. “His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers.”
Savings interest rates available today are well above historical norms. Find out where to get the best savings account rates.
Djokovic called his opponent "the far better player."
Need extra hints for today’s Strands puzzle? Here are clues and spoilers for puzzle #696.
This game can be pretty tough, so we've got clues if you're stuck on today's puzzle, #962.
Jeremiah Fears was absolutely livid and had to be walked off the court after he and Lu Dort got into it on Tuesday night.
Indiana plays Ohio State, Michigan and USC over a four-game stretch.
Howe does Bill Belichick fail to make the Hall of Fame? Let's get into that.
Meta has started blocking links to ICE List, a website that compiles information about incidents involving Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents, and lists thousands of their employees' names.
After a 114-98 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley has been diagnosed with a left calf strain that will be re-evaluated in 1-3 weeks.
If the Guardians want to capitalize on their championship window, it'll take more than just their headlining superstar.
AI Description
A private plane crash in western India resulted in the deaths of all five individuals on board, including a senior state official. The incident is under investigation by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.