Several relatives of people killed in the MH17 plane crash are considering suing the Dutch state for negligence over its handling of the tragedy, the Telegraaf says on Friday.

Remarks about one of the victims wearing an oxygen mask made by foreign affairs minister Frans Timmermans on television earlier this week were ‘the final straw’ for some relatives, the paper says.

Relatives who had taken comfort in the fact their relatives had not suffered were shocked by the revelations. ‘We did not know. This should never have happened,’ one relative told the paper.

Investigation

A group representing some of the victims’ families is now planning to take legal action against the state.

‘In addition, there has been no proper investigation of the crash site,’ said lawyer Bob van der Groen. ‘The Netherlands must ensure there are safety guarantees. We hold the state responsible for immaterial damages.’

Timmermans said he deeply regrets his statement and has apologised to the families.