Pune Businessman Falls Ill on SpiceJet Flight After Drinking from Soft Drink Can, Alleges Presence of Metal Shards

Pune, 10th September 2025: A leisure trip turned into a health scare for Aundh-based businessman Abhijit Bhosle, who ended up in a Pune hospital shortly after flying back from Goa on Monday evening. Bhosle claimed he fell ill mid-air on SpiceJet flight SG-1080 after consuming a soft drink that allegedly contained metal fragments.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday from his home, Bhosle said he had boarded the flight around 7 pm along with his friends Mahesh Gupta and Raj Kumar Agarwal. “About 15–20 minutes after takeoff, the crew began serving snacks and beverages. I purchased a soft drink can and a pack of fox nuts. Within a few sips, I felt irritation in my throat. Soon it worsened and I also developed abdominal pain. It became unbearable,” he recalled.

Gupta, who was seated next to him, alleged that the can contained metal pieces. “After Abhijit complained, we poured out the drink and noticed small metallic shards. When we shook the empty can, it made a rattling noise. We insisted on keeping the can to present it as proof to authorities, but the crew took it back, saying it belonged to them,” he said.

As Bhosle’s condition deteriorated, the flight crew alerted the ground staff. “The flight landed around 7.50 pm and an ambulance was waiting. Abhijit was taken to Ruby Hall Clinic near Pune station. Raj accompanied him, while I stayed back to pursue the matter with the airline. Since the crew refused to return the can, I submitted a written complaint to SpiceJet,” Gupta added.

Hospital sources confirmed that Bhosle underwent X-rays and other diagnostic tests during his three-hour admission. He was discharged the same night but has been advised follow-up consultations. “At this stage, no definitive comment can be made on his condition,” a hospital staff member said.

SpiceJet, in its official statement, acknowledged the incident. “On September 8, a passenger on Goa–Pune flight SG-1080 reported discomfort after consuming a sealed soft drink can. He claimed to have found a metallic object inside. Our cabin crew immediately assisted him, checked for medical professionals onboard (none were available), and informed the captain and ground team. An ambulance was arranged before landing,” the spokesperson said.

The airline further stated that all medical expenses were covered by SpiceJet and staff members stayed with the passenger throughout. “X-rays of the throat, chest and abdomen revealed no foreign object. An endoscopy was suggested by the attending doctor, but the passenger declined. In line with procedure, the can was retained for investigation by the vendor,” the spokesperson added.