Malaysian, Dutch embassies mourn downed flight MH17

The embassies of the Netherlands and Malaysia here received flowers and condolences from well-wishers, including officials, businesses and the public, over the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 shot down in the skies above Ukraine.

The Malaysian Embassy opened a condolence book last week for all who wished to commemorate those who died on the flight.

The Malaysian chancery in Seoul opened its doors Monday through Wednesday for those wishing to express condolences in writing or with flowers for the victims of the flight. Malaysian diplomats were not available for comment.

Officials and members of the public also sent flowers and condolences to the Dutch diplomatic mission here.

Though no official condolence book was opened at the Dutch Embassy, the chancery received an outpouring of condolences, according to Dutch Deputy Head of Mission Marjo Crompvoets. “We have received flowers and phone calls and some people have visited from the Foreign Ministry, envoys and the Korean companies with deep ties in the Netherlands,” she said.

Of the 298 passengers on board Flight MH17, 193 were from the Netherlands.

Malaysia Airlines pilots requested to fly at 35,000 feet upon entering Ukrainian airspace, but were instructed to fly at 33,000 feet by Ukrainian air traffic controllers.

The airline tragedy was the second in months for the beleaguered company, Malaysia’s flag carrier. Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared en route to Beijing on March 8 with the 239 passengers and crew onboard believed dead.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2014@heraldcorp.com)