Tag Archives: Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17

The Netherlands has now identified 262 victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17, one was found wearing an oxygen mask

The investigation in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17 in the Ukraine continues with the Government of the Netherlands taking the lead. According to this report by CNN, one passenger was found wearing an oxygen mask suggesting the passenger had time to don the mask. The shoot down and crash occurred in the pro-Russian rebel portions of the eastern Ukraine (see above) near Donetsk.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

On October 3, 2014 the Government of the Netherlands issued this statement about the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17 over eastern Ukraine.

It was announced that a further 11 victims of the MH 17 air disaster have been identified. Of these 11 victims, 8 were Dutch nationals and 3 were nationals of other countries. This brings the total number of victims of the disaster now identified to 262.

The next of kin of these victims have been informed. The mayors of the municipalities in which the victims lived will also be notified if, when consulted, the next of kin express a desire for this to be done. At the request of the relevant countries’ embassies, the nationalities of the identified victims who were not from the Netherlands has not been disclosed.

A team of specialists is currently hard at work on identifying victims of the disaster. However, as was previously stressed, it may take some time before all the victims have been identified. The media will be provided with periodic updates on the progress made.

On July 17, 2014 Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17 crashed in the Ukraine on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. On board were 283 passengers and 15 crew members. Among the passengers were 196 Dutch citizens.

Map: PM3/Wikipedia Creative Commons.

Flight routes of MH 17 and Singapore Airlines flight SQ 351 including airspace restrictions.

Route of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 on July 17, 2014 at 12:55 to 13:20 UTC, and Singapore Airlines flight SQ 351 at 13:08 to 13:27 UTC; flight data from Flightradar24 (MH 17, SQ 351), rendered map from OpenStreetMap; restricted airspace zones as to NOTAMs A1383/14 and A1492/14.

IATA makes a statement about Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), representing the international airlines, has made the following statement of the shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines:

Statement of IATA’s Director General and CEO Tony Tyler:

“The tragedy of MH 17 is an outrage. Over the weekend it was confirmed that the passengers and crew aboard the aircraft were the victims of a hideous crime. It was also an attack against the air transport system which is an instrument of peace.

Among the immediate priorities, the bodies of the victims must be returned to their grieving loved ones in a respectful manner. For over four days we witnessed appalling sights from the crash scene. Governments must set aside their differences and treat the victims and their families with the dignity they deserve – and this includes urgently securing the site.

The investigation must also start quickly and with total freedom and access. Actions over the weekend which slowed down progress on both of these priorities were an outrage to human decency.

We have heard news of potential progress on both these issues. But promises now need to be turned into reality with actions.

Airlines and governments are partners in supporting global connectivity. Airlines carry the passengers and cargo. Governments and air navigation service providers inform airlines about the routes that they can fly and with what restrictions. Airlines comply with that guidance.

That was the case with MH 17. Malaysia Airlines was a clearly identified commercial jet. And it was shot down—in complete violation of international laws, standards and conventions—while broadcasting its identity and presence on an open and busy air corridor at an altitude that was deemed to be safe.

No effort should be spared in ensuing that this outrage is not repeated. Of course, nobody should be shooting missiles at civilian aircraft—governments or separatists. Governments will need to take the lead in reviewing how airspace risk assessments are made. And the industry will do all that it can to support governments, through ICAO, in the difficult work that lies ahead.

This was a terrible crime. But flying remains safe. And everyone involved in global air transport is fully dedicated to making it even safer.”