Three Filipinos and 27 Australians perished in a Malaysian MH17 flight believed shot down by surface to air missile over the Ukraine-Russian border last night.
At least 150 Dutch nationals are believed to have died in the crash according to a press conference hosted by Malaysian airlines officials.
In a press conference, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot said. “At least, 27 Australian citizens lost their lives on flight MH17. Nine resided in Queensland, nine in Victoria, seven in Western Australia; one in ACT and one in New South Wales.”
“We can’t restore them to life but we can and will do everything to support them in this sad and bitter time, because that is the Australian way – we help in time of trouble.” said Mr Abbot.
Anyone who has concerns for the welfare of family or friends are encouraged to contact DFAT 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or within Australia on 1300 555 135.
It as the second tragedy this year involving a Malaysian airliner and the first major air tragedy involving the volatile conflict between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukraine government.
The TV broadcast showed the crash site and some of the travel passports recovered from the site.
TV broadcasts reported Russian president Vladir Putin and U.S Preisdent Barak Obama had an urgent communication link shortly after the tragedy.
There was no further report yet whether the three Filipinos were overseas Filipino workers returning to the Philippines.
Amsterdam where the tragic Malaysian MH17 flight came from is a well known transit city for Filipino workers in Europe and in the Middle East.