PIA Flight PK-8303 crashes in Karachi’s Model Colony area

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.

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.

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.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, while expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives as a result of PIA passenger plane crash in Karachi, has ordered an immediate inquiry into the plane crash.

The premier has directed the concerned agencies to provide relief, rescue and immediate medical aid to the affected peoples. He prayed for the deceased and patience of the bereaved.