Analysis of faint electronic signals sent to satellites from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 shows it could have run out of fuel and crashed into the Indian Ocean after flying thousands of miles off course.

A source familiar with data the US government is receiving provided this first clue as Malaysia extended its search.

“Together with our international partners, we are now pushing further east into the South China Sea and further into the Indian Ocean,” said Malaysian Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

“We want nothing more than to find the plane as quickly as possible.”

Most passengers on the Beijing-bound plane, carrying 239 people, were from China which wants more answers from Malaysia.

“China urges Malaysia to promptly and comprehensively report its information about the search to China,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei in Beijing.

“It is not only conducive to China’s search and rescue effort but will also make the rescue operation for all parties far more effective and targeted.”

In Kuala Lumpur, where the Boeing 777 took off a week ago, people are still praying for a miracle.

But as reports suggest the aircraft may have flown for hours after radar contact was lost, the possibility that it was deliberately diverted seems increasingly likely.