Ban expresses condolences after crash of Malaysia Airlines flight in Ukraine

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his condolences following today’s crash of a Malaysia Airlines plane in Ukraine, and called for a full investigation into the disaster.

According to media reports, the Boeing 777 – which was carrying 295 people – was en route from Amsterdam to the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lampur, when it crashed in eastern Ukraine, near the Russian border.

“I am closely monitoring the reports, along with the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency. There is clearly a need for a full and transparent international investigation,” Mr. Ban told reporters at UN Headquarters.

“For the moment, I offer my deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and people of Malaysia.”

Today’s tragedy comes just a few months after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished shortly after take-off from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers on board.