Families and friends of the 239 passengers aboard MH370 finally know the fate of their loved ones, after investigations confirmed the object found on Reunion Island belonged to the missing aircraft.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak announced findings overnight, saying an examination of the wing part ‘conclusively confirmed’ it was from the plane.
The debris was discovered late last week on the remote Western Indian Ocean island.
It was immediately transported to France where French and Malaysian authorities analysed the piece.
Based on the location of the find, it is believed that the aircraft crashed into the Indian Ocean, although no further evidence has been found.
Malaysia confirms the object came from MH370.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I must tell you that an international team of experts has conclusively confirmed that the aircraft debris is indeed from MH370.”
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak
“We now have physical evidence that […] flight MH370 tragically ended in the southern Indian Ocean.”
France’s Serge Mackowiak also confirmed the the news, adding that the flaperon was from a Boeing 777 – the same Malaysia Airlines aircraft carrying the 239 passengers.
Mr Najib said he hoped the discovery would bring ‘certainty to families’.
Following the confirmation, Malaysia Airlines sent out its ‘deepest sorrow’ to family and friends and said it was hopeful the object would lead to more information and help resolve the mystery.
“Family members of passengers and crew have already been informed and we extend our deepest sympathies to those affected.”
Malaysia Airlines
“This is indeed a major breakthrough for us in resolving the disappearance of MH370.
“Moving forward, Malaysia Airlines’ priority is to continue to provide the latest updates and information to the families and it will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities on the investigation and recovery of this tragic accident.”
The aircraft went missing in March last year with 239 passengers onboard.
Meanwhile, Australian authorities will continue their search for the missing aircraft and are confident it will be found.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan, told ABC Radio that the find on Reunion Island is consistent with the work done so far and the Bureau is confident that they’re looking in the right area.
“We’ll find the aircraft there.”
Martin Dolan, Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner
Australia has headed the search for the Malaysia Airlines plane after it went missing in March last year en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
Earlier this year, people living on an island in the Maldives – not too far from where the plane part washed up – made headlines for saying they saw the plane moments before it was reported missing.
Eyewitnesses said the plane was flying low enough that they could make out the red and blue Malaysia Airlines markings.
Perhaps there was some truth to their story? Read on
