KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters)— A PIA aircraft with 99 passengers and eight crew members on board crashed on Friday in a residential area of the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, officials said.
“The plane PK 8303 with 99 passengers and 8 crew members has crashed,” said a spokesman for the national carrier.
The Pakistani army said its quick reaction force and paramilitary troops have reached the site for relief and rescue efforts alongside civil administration.
Local TV station Geo showed crowds near the scene which appeared to be a densely populated area and ambulances trying to make their way through. It also showed black smoke billowing from the scene.
Flights had resumed in Pakistan just a week ago
The Pakistan International Airways flight crashed in a residential area in Karachi, which is the country’s most populated city. Worries are mounting that people on the ground will be among the casualties.
The crash comes as the country prepares to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid al-Fitr, with many traveling home to their families in towns and villages.
Footage shows smoke billowing over Karachi
Plane’s pilot reported technical problems
The pilot of a Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed in Karachi on Friday relayed he had technical problems, airline spokesperson Abdullah Khan told CNN.
“The pilot in his Mayday call had said that he was experiencing technical problems. He had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost.”
(Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Toby Chopra)
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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