Malaysia announces probe into crash of its plane in Ukraine

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister NajibRazak today announced an immediate probe into the crash of a Malaysia Airlines aircraft, which was reportedly shot down over Ukraine today.

"I am shocked by reports that an MH plane crashed. We are launching an immediate investigation," Najib tweeted.

The Kuala Lumpur-bound Boeing 777 from Amsterdam was reported to have crashed in Ukraine near the Russian border.

There were a total 280 passengers and 15 crew members on board. Reports said that the jetliner crashed in a conflicted area near Donetsk.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) sources said the plane did not enter the Russian airspace. Sources said the plane was "shot down" while it was cruising at an altitude of 30,000ft.

MAS tweeted that they lost contact with MH17 and was last known to have been in Ukranian airspace.

Today's incident comes four months after the disappearance of Fligh MH370.