MH17 crash: Aids researchers heading to Melbourne believed among dead
Scientists were on route to the 20th international Aids conference, due to start on Sunday
A number of scientists and researchers heading to a key Aids conference in Melbourne were reportedly on board the Malaysia Airlines plane that has crashed in Ukraine.
The scientists were en route to AIDS2014, the 20th international Aids conference. The event, to be held in Melbourne between 20 and 25 July, will feature former US president Bill Clinton and activist Bob Geldof.
A spokesman for the International AIDS Society said the organisation was seeking to confirm the identities of those killed in the incident.
"The International AIDS Society (IAS) today expresses its sincere sadness at receiving news that a number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20
thInternational AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight that has crashed over Ukraine earlier today," the organisation said in a statement.
"At this incredibly sad and sensitive time the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy."
Michel Sidibe, who is executive director of UN Aids, tweeted:
My thoughts & prayers to families of those tragically lost on flight
#MH17. Many passengers were enroute to
#AIDS2014 here in
#Melbourne.