MH17 crash: Aids researchers heading to Melbourne believed among dead

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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.

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.

Unconfirmed reports state that a prominent AIDS researcher was on board MH17.

Four Dutch researchers were thought to be on board.

US intelligence agencies believe the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile in eastern Ukraine.

Melbourne Youth Force, one of the participant groups at the conference, tweeted: “We are saddened to hear the news about MH17. Four AIDS2014 delegates were on board. Our thoughts are with their families and peers.”

Source: The Gaurdian