Dozens dead as passenger jet crashes into busy suburb
A PASSENGER plane with 98 people on board yesterday crashed in a densely-populated area of Karachi in Pakistan, with reports stating that dozens had been killed.
The Airbus A320 plane was carrying 91 passengers and seven crew from Lahore airport and came down near Jinnah International airport.
A senior member of the Pakistan government said there were at least seven survivors on the Pakistan International Airways’ (PIA) Flight PK8303, according to local reports.
Some of the people believed to have been on board had contacted their families.
It was first reported that eleven people had died in the crash, but that was later amended to ‘dozens’.
TV coverage showed rescue crews searching across debrisstrewn streets in the Model Colony area of the city, 3.2km from the airport.
Several houses had been destroyed.
An eyewitness told the BBC he had heard a massive sound.
“Almost four houses were completely collapsed, there was so much fire and smoke,” said Mohammed Uzair Khan.
“They are my neighbours, I can’t tell you what a horrible thing it was.”
Other witnesses said the plane appeared to attempt to land two or three times before crashing in the residential area near Jinnah International.
Another resident, Abdul Rahman, said he saw the aircraft circle at least three times, appearing to try to land before it crashed into several houses.
The area was cordoned off by police and military personnel, and firefighters sprayed water on the smouldering wreckage. A video on social media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site.
A video of the airbus flying low appeared to show one of its engines on fire.
The Pakistani army dispatched search-and-rescue teams, including helicopters, to the scene.
Senior civil aviation official Abdul Sattat Khokhar said it was too early to comment on the cause of the crash.
“As of now, rescue efforts are ongoing and an inquiry has been set up,” he said.
It is understood the pilot had reported a loss of engines and then issued a Mayday.
A prominent Pakistani journalist and the president of one of the country’s largest banks were aboard and their families reported they had survived the crash, according to local media reports.
Local media also reported that more than two dozen residents of the neighbourhood where the plane crashed were being treated for injuries at local hospitals.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a statement shortly after reports of the crash began to emerge.
He expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the lives lost and directed all relevant departments to extend relief, rescue efforts and medical aid to the injured. He ordered an immediate investigation into the crash.
Mr Khan also tweeted that the airline’s chief executive was headed to Karachi to oversee rescue and relief efforts.
The crash happened days after domestic flights resumed in Pakistan as coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions were being lifted.
The next few days are expected to be a busy travel time, as the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan falls this weekend and is traditionally celebrated by visiting relatives.
‘As of now, rescue efforts are ongoing and an inquiry has been set up’