Tragedy strikes newlywed: Bhavik Maheshwari of Vadodara dies just two days after wedding in Air India flight AI-171 crash
PTC Web Desk: What was meant to be a joyful beginning of a new life turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the Maheshwari family in Vadodara. Bhavik Maheshwari, a 26-year-old software professional working in London, lost his life in the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI-171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London. The incident has left hundreds of families grieving, but for Bhavik's loved ones, the loss is especially devastating—he had married just two days before the crash.
Bhavik had recently returned to India to spend time with his family. On June 10, honouring his family's wishes, he married his longtime partner in a quiet court ceremony in Vadodara. The plan was to hold a grand wedding celebration during his next visit to India. No one could have imagined that this short trip would be his last.
On June 12, Bhavik boarded the ill-fated Air India flight from Ahmedabad International Airport back to London. His parents and wife accompanied him to the airport to bid farewell. It was an emotional moment filled with promises and plans for the future. His father, Arjun Maheshwari, recalled speaking to his son just moments before takeoff. “Don’t worry, Papa. The flight is about to depart,” were Bhavik's last words to his family. Tragically, within half an hour of that conversation, disaster struck.
The crash claimed the lives of nearly all 242 passengers on board, with only one known survivor—Vishwas Kumar Ramesh from the UK. For the Maheshwaris, the reality is still hard to accept. Their only son, whom they had just seen off with teary eyes and warm embraces, is gone forever.
Relatives from Vadodara’s Wadi area described how the house, which was filled with wedding laughter just days ago, has now turned into a place of mourning. Bhavik’s wife had accompanied him to the airport for his flight, and the crash occurred even before she could return home.
- With inputs from agencies
