WE are not always prepared for the impact of death.

Like so many of us who question why life is taken at a particular time, we might draw upon the circumstances, such as war or illness.

For those who boarded the Malaysia Airlines flight in Amsterdam, the expectations would have been no different to any travelling passenger - to get to their destination safely.

Among the 298 people who perished some were returning home, others going to a conference on Aids, two loyal Newcastle United fans following their team and others going on holiday.

The last thing on people’s minds would have been death. It was all about living and life.

Whether it was right for the plane to follow a flight path so close to a war zone is something that will form a part of the investigation.

Planes from other airlines had followed the same route, but there has to be uncertainty when it comes to parts of the world deemed ‘trouble spots’.

For those affected, their loss can never be compensated by an investigation, because there will be claim and counterclaim.

While the hope is that the truth will come out, the reality may be something else.

Generally, air travel is very safe, which is why so many of us choose it, but, of course, there are rare occasions when tragedy strikes.

This was a tragedy that was not about mechanical faults, or extreme weather conditions, but it still cost so many lives and their loved ones are left to grieve.

The images of the carnage are a reminder of the quality of life and how we treat our fellow human beings.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.