By Our Web Reporter
KARACHI — A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft, flying from Lahore to Karachi, crashed near the port city’s airport in the densely populated area of Model Colony on Friday.
The number of casualties has not been confirmed by officials yet.
PIA flight PK8303 had 99 passengers and eight crew members on board during the time of the incident. The crash caused significant damage in the residential area and reportedly destroyed four residences.
“The plane PK 8303 with 99 passengers and 8 crew members has crashed,” said a spokesman for the national carrier.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, a senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the rescue operation was underway. “It is too early to say anything. We are collecting details of passengers.”
A PIA spokesperson, speaking to a private TV channel, said the aircraft lost communication with the ground staff at 2:37pm and crashed around a minute before landing.
“The plane took off from Lahore at 1pm and was scheduled to land in Karachi at 2:45pm.”
The list of the passengers on board is as follows:
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An official told that the plane was leased from China and was around 10 to 12 years old. Reportedly both engines failed, added the official.
A statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters have arrived on the spot for rescue efforts and damage assessment while Urban Search and Rescue teams are also on the ground.
Chief of the Army Staff General Bajwa has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the crash.
Following the crash, Sindh Minister of Health & Population Welfare declared an emergency in all major hospitals of Karachi.
