19-04-2024 10:36 PM Jerusalem Timing

World Mourns MH17 Crash Victims as Body Recovery Continues

World Mourns MH17 Crash Victims as Body Recovery Continues

Malaysia MH17 crash victims are being mourned around the world as well at the gruesome site of the tragic accident. Rescuers in the meantime continue removing bodies from the wreckage monitored by OSCE observers

Malaysia MH17 crash victims are being mourned around the world as well at the gruesome site of the tragic accident. Rescuers in the meantime continue removing bodies from the wreckage monitored by OSCE observers.

The fragments of Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight and the bodies of victims in the tragic crash were scattered over a space of several square kilometers including residential area in eastern Ukraine. Local residents were among those sharing the shock and burden of having to deal with the bodies, and many adorned the site of the crash with flowers on Saturday.

“By 7 am on July 19, 186 bodies have been found. The area that needs to be checked stands at 25 square kilometers. Eighteen square km have already been checked,” Ukraine's Emergencies Ministry spokesman, Andriy Lysenko, announced on Saturday.

The operation to recover bodies continues with renewed speculation that anti-Kiev forces controlling the region both have interfered with the investigation and not sealed off the area. OSCE observers at the scene complained about over vigilant self-defense fighters at the scene, but admitted they were providing some security.

“What we see here is that there is certain security as you witnessed yourself at the perimeter, and that there is now also work being done on the bodies, they are being collected, being brought to the road,” Alexander Hug, Deputy Head of OSCE mission told AP.

Refuting reports of interference with the crash site, Donetsk People's Republic PM Aleksandr Boroday said locals adhered to international demands to leave the site intact, but added that there was an urgent humanitarian need to take care of decomposing bodies.

The leadership of the self-proclaimed republic has, according to Boroday, been irritated by the international experts not coming to the plane crash scene sooner.

“We are interested in the most comprehensive and objective investigation,” the PM said. “But we don't feel like there is enthusiasm among the international community and experts. Several dozen experts are currently in Kiev. Can they please come here faster? We are surprised and frankly angered that we have to keep the area untouched while we are waiting for them for so long”.