SINGAPORE: Singapore is shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic crash of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 which crashed in Ukraine on Thursday, and is ready to provide any possible assistance to Malaysia.
In a statement, the foreign affairs ministry said: “The Government and people of Singapore send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims in this time of profound grief.
“We also stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Malaysia during this difficult period.”
The ministry said a full and transparent investigation was imperative to establish the cause of the crash.
“The investigation team should be given full access to the affected areas and evidence. We stand ready to offer any possible assistance,” it added.
At this point, there have been no report of Singaporean victims.
According to the statement, the ministry remains in close contact with MAS and the relevant airport authorities to ascertain the nationality of unverified passengers.
Singaporeans who require consular assistance should contact the ministry’s duty office (24-hours) at tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855 (24 hours), Fax: 6476-7302 and email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg.
Earlier, foreign media reported that a Malaysian passenger Boeing 777 airliner with 295 people onboard crashed in Ukraine near the Russian border. Flight MH17 departed Amsterdam at 12.15pm (Amsterdam local time) and was estimated to arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6.10am (Malaysia local time) the next day.
– BERNAMA