An Australian spokeswoman for the International AIDS Society said it was an “incredibly sad and sensitive time” after learning that “a number of colleagues and friends” were on board the flight.
An unconfirmed number of researchers were due to attend AIDS2014 next week, which is also due to be attended by ex-US president Bill Clinton and British activist Bob Geldof.
Twenty-seven Australians were reportedly among the 298 passengers onboard flight MH17, which was shot down in separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine. Some of the passengers were en-route to the 20th international AIDS conference, which is due to start on Sunday.
Four Dutch researchers are believed to have been on the flight. Professor Joep Lange, head of the International AIDS Society, is reportedly among the dead.
Famous Dutch AIDS researcher Joep Lange confirmed as a passenger on #MH17 on his way to Melbourne conference. #Today9 pic.twitter.com/icxm7kVrLO
A media spokesperson for the AIDS2014 conference released the following statement: “The International AIDS Society today expresses its sincere sadness at receiving news that a number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight that has crashed over Ukraine earlier today.
“At this incredibly sad and sensitive time the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy.”
What a HUGE loss to the world. Just learned that dear friend, amazing father to 5 girls and veteran AIDS researcher Joep Lange was on #MH17
The plane is believed to have been shot down by a surface-to-air missile.
