New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- A devastating plane crash near Baramati airport on Wednesday morning claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of repeated explosions, raging flames and helpless locals unable to rescue those on board.

The small charter aircraft, which had departed Mumbai around 8 am, went down during a landing attempt roughly 45 minutes later. Visuals from the site showed thick plumes of smoke and intense fire engulfing the wreckage, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.

Follow LIVE Updates of the Baramati Plane Crash that Killed Ajit Pawar

An eyewitness to the crash said the aircraft appeared unstable as it descended before slamming into the ground and ...