Arabic version: عائلة من ملبورن تتذكر والدها الذي فقد في حادث طائرة إير إنديا

On June 12, 2025, Manan Sheth’s birthday took a tragic turn when he received a call from his father, Dr. Himanshu Sheth, who wished him well before boarding a flight to London. Hours later, the plane, Air India flight 171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew members. The Sheth family was left grappling with the loss of a beloved father and respected doctor.

According to SBS News, the crash occurred less than a minute after takeoff, striking the BJ Medical College campus, where Himanshu had trained as a medical student. As the anniversary of the disaster approaches, Manan and his wife Hetal reflect on his legacy and the unanswered questions surrounding the crash.

The official cause of the crash remains undetermined, though preliminary findings indicated that fuel to the engines was cut off shortly before the incident. Investigators from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been examining the circumstances, and a final report was expected on the first anniversary of the disaster. However, reports suggest that the release of this report may be delayed.

For the Sheth family, the tragedy is not just a statistic but a personal loss. Manan describes his father as a guiding force in his life, someone he turned to for advice on significant decisions. Hetal remembers Himanshu as a warm and caring individual who brought people together. The family’s grief is compounded by the fact that the crash site was a place of profound significance for Himanshu, marking both the beginning of his medical career and where he formed lasting relationships.

As the Sheths continue to seek answers, they hold onto the memories of Himanshu, cherishing the moments they shared, including that last phone call which now resonates with both love and heartbreak.