New video shows the moment rebels learned MH17 was a passenger plane

 By 
Brian Ries
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

A new video obtained by News Corp Australia shows the moments after Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine as the pro-Russian rebels who first arrived on scene learn it was a passenger plane.

"This is a passenger plane," one man says in Russian, according to the video's translated captions. "Black box. Black box. Come on, come on," he says.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The video, presumably shot by one of the pro-Russian rebels widely believed to be responsible for firing the missile, shows armed men in camouflage reacting to the realization that "foreigners" were on board.

At one point, a man is heard asking in Russian who had given the plane permission to fly over the area, asking, "Who gave them the corridor?"

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Later in the video, one of the rebels can be seen digging through a passenger's backpack, which is packed full of neatly folded clothes.

"These are clothes," the man remarks. A voice off cameras yells, "Civilians! Civilians!"

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The video bears similarities to one that the Ukrainian government released in the days after the attack capturing a phone call between a pro-Russian rebel leader and a Russian intelligence agent. "We have just shot down a plane," the rebel says in the clip.

Later in that tape, a rebel asks if there are weapons on board. Another responds: “Absolutely nothing. Civilian items, medicinal stuff, towels, toilet paper.”

“Are there any documents?” the man asks the other. "Yes. Of an Indonesian student from Thompson University. Fuck."

The rebels -- and by proxy the Russian government -- have publicly denied any role in blowing MH17 out of the sky.

While a Dutch investigation that is expected to be completed in October is reportedly narrowing in on their role in the tragedy, both sides have called those rumors premature.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!