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.

PIA passenger aircraft 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. THE AZB Link: https://theazb.com/pia-passenger-aircraft-crashes-in-karachis-model-colony-area/
Posted by Daily The Azb on Friday, May 22, 2020

“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.”

Flight #PK8303 took off from Lahore at 08:05. At 09:34 the aircraft made a landing attempt that was aborted at 275 feet and the aircraft climbed up to 3175 feet. Signal was lost at 09:40 at 525 feet.

All times are UTC.

Screenshots show take off, go around and last signal. pic.twitter.com/tOXHXZSkNr
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) May 22, 2020

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.

PIA’s Lahore-Karachi flight PK-8303 crashed on a residential area near Karachi airport a short while ago. Fire fighters trying to control fire in an affected house?? ? ?? #planecrash #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/LEg1roPjol
— Digi Fusion (@DigiFusion24) May 22, 2020

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.

#COAS condoles loss of precious lives in tragic PIA plane crash. Shares grief of bereaved families in this difficult time. COAS directed provision of full assistance to civil administration in rescue/ relief effort.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 22, 2020

Chief of the Army Staff General Bajwa has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the crash.

Sad News:Our heart goes out to all families of on board passengers of the ill fated PIA plane that just crashed close to Karachi Airport. On PM’s directions, all emergency services & resources mobilised,evacuation in progress.More details will be shared subsequently
— Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimSBajwa) May 22, 2020

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.

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

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.