Pakistan International Airlines aircraft crashes near Karachi airport, rescue operations underway
Karachi/IBNS: An aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crashed in Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport here on Friday.
The aircraft was carrying 90 passengers and eight crew members from Lahore to Karachi.
The aircraft has received severe damages.
Ambulances and rescue officials are at the site where the crash took place.
Fumes were seen rising from the site of the crash.
Eye witnesses told Dawn News that the aircraft was in fire even before crashing.
ISPR has issued a statement on Twitter saying, "Update #PIA Incident: Pak Army Aviation helicopters flown for damage assessment and rescue efforts. Urban Search & Rescue Teams are being sent on site for rescue efforts."
Update #PIA Incident:
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 22, 2020
Pak Army Aviation helicopters flown for damage assessment and rescue efforts.
Urban Search & Rescue Teams are being sent on site for rescue efforts.
Minister of Health and Population Welfare has issued a health emergency in all major hospitals of Karachi, Dawn News reported.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, "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."
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
Asim Saleem Bajwa, chairman for CPEC working for socio-economic development of Pakistan and SAPM on Information and Broadcasting, tweeted, "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."
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
(Image Credit: Screenshot grab from video)
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