Ukrainians marking their respect for the death of Flight MH17’s passengers and crew in front of the Dutch embassy in Kiev. Photo: CBS News
As Malaysians react in shock to the tragic events of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 which crashed over eastern Ukraine, so too are the Dutch – as the country of departure for the doomed jetliner, the Netherlands had at least 154 of its citizens on board the aircraft as it took off from Amsterdam on its way to Kuala Lumpur.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte ordered flags at all government buildings in the country to fly at half mast to mark the passing of the 154 Dutch nationals, and the rest of the 298 people on board MH17.
Rutte, speaking at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, said it was a “black day” for the Netherlands, the Straits Times reports.
“The whole of the Netherlands is in mourning,” he said.”This beautiful summer day has ended in the blackest possible way.”
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it crashed late last night over Ukraine, with debris landing near the town of Grabovo. The Boeing 777 jetliner was carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew members.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak stated at a press conference in KLIA this morning that the Ukrainian government believes Flight MH17 was shot down.
Folliwng the crash, Malaysia Airlines has announced it would reroute all its flights to and from Europe to avoid Ukrainian airspace, with immediate effect.
See Also:
Reports: Malaysian airliner crashes in Ukraine
Ukraine minister: Malaysia Air flight MH17 shot down
Reuters: “Burning wreckage, dozens of bodies” at MH17 crash site in Ukraine
Alleged images of Flight MH17 crash site emerge on social media
MH17: Malaysia Airlines to reroute European flights immediately
Ukraine government releases audio implicating rebels and Russian intelligence in MH17 crash
Reader Interactions