NEW DELHI, India

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his sincere condolences after a devastating plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra.

The incident took place on Wednesday morning.

Rescue teams and locals assembled near the smouldering debris at the crash site, where Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives.

Rescuers combed through the smouldering debris as thick smoke from the crash fire billowed into the sky.

"My thoughts are with everyone who lost loved ones in this crash. I pray for strength and courage for the bereaved families during this time of deep sorrow," PM Modi posted on the social media platform X.

Pawar and the other victims were aboard a chartered aircraft that crashed in the western city of Baramati.