Islamabad, May 22 (Only Kashmir): A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320 flying from Lahore has crashed in the densely populated Model Colony residential area of Karachi.
“A passenger plane belonging to state-run Pakistan International Airlines crashed near the southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing all 107 passengers and crew,” the city’s mayor said.
Flight PK8303, carrying 91 passengers and eight crew, was trying to land at Jinnah International Airport.
The plane lost contact with air traffic control just after 14:30 local time (09:30 GMT), an airline spokesman said.
The cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed. PIA chief executive Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik said the pilot had told traffic control that the plane was experiencing “technical difficulties”.
The crash came just days after Pakistan began allowing commercial flights to resume after a coronavirus lockdown.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted:
“Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash … Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased.”
Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash. Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi & with the rescue & relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now. Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 22, 2020
PM CONDOLES THE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO A PLANE CRASH IN PAKISTAN
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of life due to a plane crash in Pakistan.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of life due to a plane crash in Pakistan. Our condolences to the families of the deceased, and wishing speedy recovery to those injured”, the Prime Minister said.
Deeply saddened by the loss of life due to a plane crash in Pakistan. Our condolences to the families of the deceased, and wishing speedy recovery to those injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 22, 2020
