Pune Helicopter Crash: Aircraft Bound To Pick Up Ajit Pawar Group Leader Sunil Tatkare Crashes Into Valley, Claims Three Lives

The tragic accident has sent shockwaves across the state, with many expressing condolences to the families of the victims

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In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, a helicopter crashed in the Bavdhan Budruk village area of Pune, killing two pilots and an engineer. The helicopter, which was en route to Mumbai to pick up Ajit Pawar group leader Sunil Tatkare, crashed into a valley, resulting in a devastating explosion that left the aircraft in pieces.

According to preliminary reports, heavy fog in the mountainous region may have played a critical role in the crash. The helicopter, identified as an Augusta 109 operated by Heritage Aviation Company, caught fire shortly after impact, causing an explosion. The bodies of the deceased were severely dismembered in the explosion, making identification difficult. The victims have been identified as Captain Pillai, Captain Paramjit Singh, and engineer Pritam Bhardwaj.

Sunil Tatkare, who had used the same helicopter the day before, was scheduled to board it again for a trip to Sutarwadi in Raigad district. On Tuesday, Tatkare had traveled from Pune to Parli using the Augusta helicopter and returned the same day. After leaving the helicopter in Pune, Tatkare traveled to Mumbai by other means. The helicopter took off again at approximately 7:57 a.m. on Wednesday but crashed just five minutes later into a valley near Bavdhan Budruk.

Police officials on the scene reported that the thick fog likely contributed to the crash. “The helicopter broke into pieces upon impact, and the condition of the bodies is beyond recognition,” an officer said. The remains of the victims are being transported to Sassoon Hospital in Pune for further identification and investigation.

The crash comes as Maharashtra prepares for upcoming Assembly elections, and reports suggest the helicopter was to be leased to political parties for campaign purposes in the coming days.

The tragic accident has sent shockwaves across the state, with many expressing condolences to the families of the victims. The authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, with weather conditions and possible technical failures being considered.

Sunil Tatkare, who narrowly avoided being on the flight, has yet to comment publicly on the incident.