Nearly four months after the jet crashed in Ukraine, some recently discovered remains have now been flown back to the Netherlands.
The aircraft, carrying 298 people onboard, came down on Ukrainian territory on July 17 last. So far, 289 victims have been positively identified. Most of the victims were Dutch.
Though the official cause of the flight’s demise has not yet officially been established, Dutch investigators have said that based on the evidence recovered so far, the aircraft was likely hit in mid-air by several ‘high energy’ objects, which may suggest a missile strike.
Fighting between Ukrainian and pro-Russian troops raged on the ground across Ukraine at the time of the incident, and it is believed the aircraft was intentionally shot down. Both sides deny any involvement in the catastrophe.
The remains were carried inside five coffins and put into waiting hearses. The vehicles then drove to a military base near Eindhoven for a solemn ceremony.