A Hampshire village is in mourning following the tragic death of Ketan Shah, a much-loved local shopkeeper, father, and community figure, who was among the 241 people killed in the devastating Air India plane crash on Thursday.
Mr Shah, 43, who ran the community store in Shipton Bellinger, was travelling home to the UK from India after visiting his sick father when Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, western India. The aircraft was bound for London Gatwick.
The crash claimed the lives of all but one of the passengers and crew on board. Among the victims were 53 Britons, 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. The tragedy also saw the aircraft collide with a medical hostel, injuring at least 50 students currently receiving hospital treatment.
Mr Shah, who had lived in Southbourne, Dorset, for over a decade, leaves behind his wife Megha, teenage son and daughter.
Back in Shipton Bellinger, the community has been left shocked and devastated. A heartfelt message was shared on a village group social media page by staff members Sharon, Shivani and Metshna, stating:
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to write this post. Yesterday our boss and dear friend Ketan lost his life aboard the India flight 171. He had been visiting family and was returning home. It is a very difficult time for us as we need to process this tragedy. Ketan loved this village and people and I hope you will join us in sending condolences to his family.”
Tributes have since flooded in on the village’s community Facebook group. Among those paying their respects:
- Nicky Caraccio wrote: “So sorry to hear this devastating news”
- Victoria Merralls added: “So very very sorry to read this. Such awful news. Thoughts are with you all x”
- Jan Edwards said: “Such sad news, our thoughts are with you all xxx”
- Dani Allsopp wrote: “Oh my goodness. Sending much love and condolences to you all! He will be missed by us all xx”
- Teresa Beeson shared: “Such very sad news, my condolences to all his family and friends.”
As a mark of respect, a one-minute silence is expected to take place today during the Shipton Bellinger Village Fete, allowing friends, neighbours and customers to honour the memory of a man whose presence was felt far beyond the shop counter.
Ketan Shah is remembered not only as a shopkeeper, but as a pillar of the community – warm, welcoming, and devoted to the people he served each day. His absence will be deeply felt in Shipton Bellinger and beyond.