Malaysia Airlines to provide initial 5000 dollars to MH17 relatives

Malaysia Airlines on Monday said it will provide initial financial assistance of 5,000 dollars to relatives of the 298 people aboard flight MH17 that crashed in eastern Ukraine.

“Funds have already been made available for this purpose,” the flag carrier said in a statement. “This financial assistance will not be offset against the final compensation nor affect the families’ legal rights to claim.”

“The airline will be supporting the families during these trying times and will be providing them hotel accommodation, meals, and transport assistance,” it added. “At the same time, the airline has assigned caregivers (who are trained Malaysia Airlines’ staff) for each family member to provide emotional support and basic needs.”