A heartbreaking incident unfolded on June 20 as 24-year-old Manpreet Kaur, an Indian-origin woman traveling to India to visit family after four years, tragically passed away on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi.
According to reports, Kaur, who had been feeling unwell earlier in the day but managed to board the flight, suffered a medical episode while attempting to fasten her seatbelt. Her friend, Gurdip Grewal, recounted the moment, stating, “When she got on the plane, she was struggling to put her seatbelt on. Just before her flight started, she fell in front of her seat and died on the spot.”
Flight crew and emergency services on board immediately responded to provide medical assistance, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain. It is suspected that Kaur may have succumbed to tuberculosis.
Described as a dedicated worker at Australia Post with aspirations of becoming a chef, Kaur’s sudden death has left her friends and community in shock. Grewal has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Kaur’s family during this difficult time, emphasizing their desire to honor her memory and provide financial aid.
Victoria Police are currently preparing a report for the coroner, while Qantas Flight has expressed condolences and affirmed cooperation with authorities in their investigation.
The incident has underscored the fragility of life and has deeply affected those who knew and loved Manpreet Kaur, highlighting the unpredictability of health emergencies even in seemingly routine situations like air travel.