MH17: Special investigation team from Malaysia arrives in Kiev

A special investigation team from Malaysia tasked to investigate the incident which befell Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 on Thursday have arrived at the Borispol International Airport here.

They arrived at 4am Kiev time (9am Malaysian time) by chartered flight Malaysia Airlines MH5002 from Kuala Lumpur-Kiev.

The team which comprised of 131 members of various agencies including the Police Forensics Unit and the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) will investigate the cause of the incident apart from managing the post-incident tasks.

Also included were JAKIM staffs to help in assisting with funeral rites.

The head of the delegation, Khairil Hilmi Mokhtar said the team will first meet the representative from the Malaysian embassy.

“There are several issues which needs to be resolved before the team is allowed to enter the disaster zone, among it being the distance from Kiev to the location of over 500 kilometers.

“We are expected to be here for seven days until July 25, but it depends on the situation,” said Khairil.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had earlier informed that the country will work closely with the Ukranian and Russian government to allow the special investigation team from Malaysia to enter the disaster zone.

Flight MH17 operated on a Boeing 777 departed Amsterdam at 12.15pm (Amsterdam local time) and was estimated to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6.10 am (Malaysia local time) the next day.

The flight was carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew onboard.