SYDNEY -- The world is grieving after Malaysia Airlines flight 17 was shot down above eastern Ukraine with 298 people on board. The crash has devastated at least 11 nations, with many passengers still yet to be identified.
All on board perished in the fiery crash in rebel-held territory near Torez, Ukraine at approximately 7.11pm local time. It was en route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam.
Malaysia Airlines has lost contact of MH17 from Amsterdam. The last known position was over Ukrainian airspace. More details to follow.— Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) July 17, 2014
We are in the process of notifying #MH17 next-of-kin. Once all have been notified, the passenger's manifest will be released.— Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) July 18, 2014
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called the tragedy an "act of terror," as U.S. media reported the Boeing 777 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile.
Russian freelance journalist Noah Sneider was one of the first at the crash site. He tweeted about the horror he witnessed:
At crash site of #MH17. Bodies everywhere, organs splayed out. Too gruesome to post photographs. This is an absolute disaster. #ukraine— Noah Sneider (@NoahSneider) July 17, 2014
"I've never seen anything like it," one local rebel fighter tells me. "You look down and see ears, fingers, bones." #ukraine #mh17— Noah Sneider (@NoahSneider) July 17, 2014
Netherlands
The Dutch have been hit hard, with 173 nationals on the doomed plane that left Amsterdam airport just after midday local time.
Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte told grieving relatives he felt broken by the crash. "The dramatic news of this flight is difficult to comprehend, this is possibly one of the worst air disasters in Dutch history. I am shocked and in mourning," he said.
"This beautiful summer day ends in total blackness. There is still a lot that is unclear."
Rutte said in a statement he had spoken to the Ukranian president and was cutting his holiday in Brussels short. He was heading to the national crisis centre at The Hague.
ABC's Europe Correspondent Mary Gearin said many people in the Amsterdam would be having a "long and sleepless night" as they wait for details from the ground.
Former International AIDS Society president Joep Lange from Netherlands, along with Glenn Raymond Thomas, a Geneva-based spokesman for World Health Organization, were two of a number of high-profile passengers who were heading to an international AIDS conference in Melbourne, Australia.
What a HUGE loss to the world. Just learned that dear friend, amazing father to 5 girls and veteran AIDS researcher Joep Lange was on #MH17— Dr. Seema Yasmin (@DoctorYasmin) July 17, 2014
Saddened to learn that my friend and @WHO staff who was traveling to @AIDS_conference to Melbourne was on flight #MH17. RIP #Glenn Thomas— Haileyesus Getahun (@haileygetahun) July 17, 2014
The International AIDS Society released a statement expressing its "sincere sadness" at the loss of their colleagues.
"A number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight," it said. "At this incredibly sad and sensitive time, the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy."
It has been reported 100 of the 298 people on board were medical researchers, health workers and activists expected to attend the conference.
My thoughts & prayers to families of those tragically lost on flight #MH17. Many passengers were enroute to #AIDS2014 here in #Melbourne.— Michel Sidibé (@MichelSidibe) July 17, 2014
Australia
The news broke in Australia in the early hours of Friday morning. The government said at least 28 Australians died in the tragedy.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott told radio station 3AW: "It is an horrific act, and everyone around the world should be filled with revulsion".
Abbott told a press conference it was a "grim, grim time" for the nation and the world. He said there was strong evidence the plane was shot down by "Russian proxies, using Russian-supplied equipment", and if this proved correct, it was an "unspeakable crime".
Locals took to social media to express their sadness and give condolences to all involved.
What a tragic reminder of the fragility of life. Do what makes you happy and spend time with those you love. #MH17 #MalaysiaAirlines— Juliette Saly (@julesaly) July 17, 2014
Great effort to get this on the newsstand by 9am @theheraldsun #MH17 pic.twitter.com/pjE0vQXsqf— Matt Cunningham (@MattCunningham4) July 17, 2014
Those worried about relatives were urged to call the Department of Foreign Affairs for information.
Those worried about family or friends onboard flight #MH17 can call DFAT: + 61 2 6261 3305 from overseas; 1300 555 135 within Australia— SBS News (@SBSNews) July 17, 2014
United Kingdom
Malaysia Airlines said nine people from the UK lost their life in the tragedy. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he did not have exact numbers, but believes "there were British nationals on board the flight".
Malaysia
Malaysia is struggling to deal with the second airline tragedy this year. MH370 disappeared from the sky in March this year, and has yet to be found. Locals put their support behind their Prime Minister:
I am shocked by reports that an MH plane crashed. We are launching an immediate investigation.— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) July 17, 2014
To our Prime Minister DS @NajibRazak be strong and calm, we can imagine how you feel now, we are with you, facing another sad moment. #MH17— MohdSharkarShamsudin (@mohdsharkar) July 17, 2014
There were 44 Malaysians on flight MH17 -- including 15 crew and two infants.
