India’s Maharashtra state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday, officials from the aviation regulator confirmed.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft took off from Mumbai and attempted to land at Baramati airport, located in Pawar’s constituency. The plane crash-landed during the attempt. Two members of Pawar’s personal staff and two crew members also lost their lives in the accident.

The exact cause of the crash is yet to be officially determined.

Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said the aircraft was making a second approach to the Baramati runway when it crashed. DGCA officials told The Times of India that the Learjet 45, operated by VSR, went down at around 8:45am local time.

Pawar, the nephew of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar, was travelling to Baramati to attend a public rally ahead of district council elections. A witness quoted by the newspaper said the aircraft caught fire immediately after hitting the ground.

“When we reached the spot, the plane was already on fire. There were four or five explosions. People tried to help, but the flames were too intense,” the witness said.

At 66, Pawar was one of the most influential leaders in Maharashtra politics. He built his career through the cooperative movement and served as deputy chief minister, the second-highest elected post in the state, as part of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was especially influential in Maharashtra’s sugar belt and was known for his strong connect with rural voters.

The news of his death led to scenes of grief across the state. Large crowds gathered outside the Baramati hospital where his body was taken. The Maharashtra government announced three days of state mourning, with flags flying at half-mast, government offices and schools closed, and public events cancelled.

Officials said the mourning period was announced in recognition of Pawar’s long contribution to state politics.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was deeply shaken by the loss. “I have lost a strong and generous friend,” he wrote on social media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling Pawar’s death “shocking and deeply saddening.” He described him as a hardworking leader who was committed to the welfare of the poor and underprivileged.