June 13, 2025: In a chilling aftermath to Thursday’s catastrophic Air India crash near Ahmedabad airport, another London-bound Air India flight was forced to make a sudden mid-air U-turn, raising fresh concerns just hours after the deadly tragedy.
According to flight tracking service Flightradar24, the second flight had taken off from Mumbai early Friday but turned back mid-route and was seen returning to its departure airport. The exact reason behind the U-turn has not been disclosed, but the timing has triggered widespread anxiety and speculation among passengers and observers alike.
Crash Update: 241 Killed, One Survivor
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner AI171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, was headed to London Gatwick with 242 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Authorities have now confirmed that 241 people were killed, while one survivor, whose identity is being withheld, is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The deceased include four MBBS students and the wife of a local doctor, who were reportedly near the crash site at the BJ Medical College complex, just outside the airport perimeter.
The flight is believed to have carried 168 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian.
Deadly Impact and Ongoing Investigations
Eyewitnesses described the plane’s horrifying descent, noting how it plunged rapidly before exploding into a massive fireball, visible across the city. The intense flames were fueled by approximately 1.25 lakh litres of jet fuel, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who stated that the temperature and explosion made rescue nearly impossible.
Shah, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday, is overseeing the investigation and relief operations. Shah also held a high-level meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, where he was briefed in detail on the crash and response efforts.
DNA Tests to Confirm Fatalities
While 241 fatalities have been confirmed, officials say the final death toll will only be released after DNA verification due to the severely burnt remains. Rescue operations continued through Thursday night and are now in their final stages, authorities said.
Another Flight Incident Sparks Panic
In the midst of mourning, news of another London-bound Air India flight turning back mid-air has unsettled many. Though no emergency or mechanical failure has been reported yet, the timing of the incident—mere hours after the fatal crash—has prompted concerns over fleet safety and operational protocol.
Air India has not issued an official statement regarding the diverted flight at the time of reporting.
What We Know So Far:
- Flight AI171 crashed moments after takeoff in Ahmedabad.
- 241 people confirmed dead, 1 survivor hospitalized.
- Victims include Indian nationals and foreign citizens.
- The crash site was within the BJ Medical College complex.
- Investigation ongoing; DGCA and AAIB are leading the probe.
- A second Air India flight to London returned mid-air from Mumbai, reason unknown.
- PM Modi and Home Minister Shah are in Ahmedabad managing crisis response.