The devastating scene where MH17 crashed in Eastern Ukraine, leaving all 298 on board dead.

In a Media Statement issued on Friday, 18 July at 7.30am, Malaysia Airlines confirmed that all 298 people on board MH17 (as opposed to 295 people inferred earlier) had perished in the tragic air crash.  MH17 was on a regular scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.  As the Boeing 777 was flying over Eastern Ukraine, it was purportedly shot down by a ground-to-air missile.

Malaysia Airlines is still in the midst of contacting the next-of-kin of victims before making public the passenger manifest for MH17.  Casualties reportedly include 154 Dutch; 43 Malaysians (including the 15 crew members); 27 Australians; 12 Indonesians; 9 from the United Kingdom; 4 Germans; 4 Belgians; 3 from the Philippines; and one from Canada.  The nationalities of another 41 victims are still being verified.

Let us unite in prayers for the victims of this dreadful disaster.  Let us spare thoughts of compassion for their families and loved ones, too.  In your own way, do something noble, wholesome, and meaningful, and thereafter dedicate merits to those who perished on MH17.  May they be at Peace.

Post-ed (20 July 2014)

Malaysia Airlines has since issued a full passengers’ manifest indicating a total of 298 casualties, comprising 193 Dutch, 43 Malaysians, 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians, 10 from the United Kingdom; 4 Germans; 4 Belgians; 3 from the Philippines; and one each from Canada and New Zealand.