Malaysia’s civil aviation authority issued a statement Thursday officially declaring the passengers and crew of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 deceased and saying the disappearance of the Boeing 777 on March 8, 2014 was an accident. The declaration by Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation clears legal hurdles to the airline making compensation payments to the victims of tragic aviation mystery. Civil aviation chief Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said Thursday that the search for the jet “remains a priority.” In a pre-recorded message broadcast on Malaysian television he said “it is with the heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that we officially declare Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 an accident.” He said all 239 passengers and crew on board are presumed to have lost their lives.
NEWS Malaysia clears way for Flight 370 compensation
