Malaysia Airlines MH17: Canberra passenger was on board shot down flight
A Canberran was among the passengers on Malaysia Airlines passenger jet MH17 that was shot down over Ukraine.
Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down by a surface-to-air missile in rebel-held territory near Ukraine's border with Russia.
The office of Prime Minister Tony Abbott has confirmed the Canberra connection.
Acting Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he was awaiting more information.
"There appears to be very bad new news that an ACT resident was one of the 28 Australians who were part of this Malaysian Airlines tragedy," he said.
"We're still awaiting some confirmation on this.
"It's devastating news for the family and friends of that ACT resident and indeed our sympathies go to not only to the families here in the ACT who are impacted, but across Australia and indeed around the world.
"It's a great tragedy and it's certainly hitting home here locally."
Mr Barr said there were no further details available about the resident at this stage.
"We'll get a further update obviously and there will be further statements made at a national level."
Mr Barr said he received the information just before he went on stage at a Canberra reception to present NBA star Patrick Mills with the keys to the city.
