Malaysia Authorities Declare MH370 Disappearance an 'Accident'

Malaysian authorities announced this week that the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight 370 has been declared an accident so grieving family members may receive compensation claims.

Civil aviation chief Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said in a statement Thursday that the government will continue its investigation of the missing plane, but will declare the plane's disappearance an accident so family members of victims may finally receive compensation claims from the airlines.

 "After 327 days and based on all available data as well as circumstances [...] survivability in the defined area is highly unlikely. It is therefore with the heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that we officially declare Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 an accident," Rahman said in a statement broadcasted on Malaysia television

The statement was met by support from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who told Malaysian reporters that he believes the country should settle compensation claims with mourning families.

"We hope the Malaysian side honors its promises and fully investigates the incident, settling claims and making peace with the families, especially continuing to make all efforts to find the missing plane and its passengers," Li said.

The MH370 flight disappeared nearly a year ago on March 8, 2014 when it departed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia en route to Beijing, China.

The mysterious disappearance of the flight sparked speculation that the act was a deliberate one of terror, as no debris or remains from the plane have been found. According to Reuters, search and rescue teams continue to focus their search on the Indian Ocean, and the Malaysian government has also opened a criminal investigation into the plane's disappearance.