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Pakistan International Airlines passenger plane crashes in Karachi Pakistan International Airlines passenger plane crashes in Karachi
(about 1 hour later)
A Pakistan International Airlines plane has crashed in Karachi on a flight from Lahore, aviation officials say. A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320 passenger jet flying from Lahore has crashed in a densely populated residential area of Karachi.
Flight PK8303, which was carrying around 91 passengers and eight crew, was flying from Lahore to Jinnah International Airport, one of Pakistan's busiest. Flight PK8303, carrying 91 passengers and eight crew, crashed on approach to the busy Jinnah International Airport.
Pictures showed a scene of devastation in the Model Colony residential area. The provincial health minister said at least 11 people had died, but a far higher toll is feared. Reports say at least one passenger survived the crash.
Emergency services have arrived. There is no confirmation on casualties so far, but many are feared dead. Thick black smoke rose from a scene of devastation in the Model Colony area.
The plane, an Airbus A320, was about to land when it crashed near Model Colony, a neighbourhood of Karachi about 3.2km (two miles) north-east of Jinnah International Airport. TV footage showed rescue crews combing through debris strewn across the streets of the district - 3.2km (two miles) north-east of the airport - where a number of houses have been destroyed.
A spokesman for PIA said the plane had lost contact with air traffic control just after 14:30 local time (09:30 GMT). The plane had lost contact with air traffic control just after 14:30 local time (09:30 GMT), an airline spokesman said.
Pakistan's army said soldiers from its quick reaction force had reached the crash site to help rescue efforts. Eyewitness Mohammed Uzair Khan told the BBC he had heard a massive sound and went outside his home.
TV footage showed rescue crew combing through debris strewn across the streets of Model Colony, where several houses have been destroyed. "Almost four houses were completely collapsed, there was so much fire and smoke," he said. "They are almost my neighbours, I can't tell you what a horrible thing it was."
Dr Kanwal Nazim told BBC Urdu she heard people screaming and saw clouds of black smoke rising from the three houses adjoining a mosque.
The chief minister of Sindh, the province where the plane crashed, has declared an emergency in all of Karachi's hospital.The chief minister of Sindh, the province where the plane crashed, has declared an emergency in all of Karachi's hospital.
The cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed. PIA chief executive Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik said the pilot had told traffic control that the plane was experiencing "technical difficulties".The cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed. PIA chief executive Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik said the pilot had told traffic control that the plane was experiencing "technical difficulties".
Pakistan's Dunya News said it had obtained a recording of the conversation, also posted on monitoring website liveatc.net.
In it the pilot says they have "lost two engines". Several seconds later he calls "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" and there is no further communication.
Bank of Punjab president Zafar Masud was among the passengers and had survived the crash, a Sindh provincial government spokesman said.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the crash, promising an immediate investigation.Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the crash, promising an immediate investigation.
The crash comes just days after the country began allowing commercial flights to resume after a coronavirus lockdown.The crash comes just days after the country began allowing commercial flights to resume after a coronavirus lockdown.
Pakistanis across the country are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan, with many travelling back to their homes in cities and villages.Pakistanis across the country are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan, with many travelling back to their homes in cities and villages.
What is Pakistan's safety record like?What is Pakistan's safety record like?
Pakistan has a chequered aviation safety record, including a number of airliner crashes.Pakistan has a chequered aviation safety record, including a number of airliner crashes.
In 2010, an aircraft operated by private airline Airblue crashed near Islamabad, killing all 152 people on board - the deadliest air disaster in Pakistani history.In 2010, an aircraft operated by private airline Airblue crashed near Islamabad, killing all 152 people on board - the deadliest air disaster in Pakistani history.
In 2012, a Boeing 737-200 operated by Pakistan's Bhoja Air crashed in bad weather on its approach to land in Rawalpindi, killing all 121 passengers and six crew.In 2012, a Boeing 737-200 operated by Pakistan's Bhoja Air crashed in bad weather on its approach to land in Rawalpindi, killing all 121 passengers and six crew.
And in 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane burst into flames while travelling from northern Pakistan to Islamabad, killing 47 people.And in 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane burst into flames while travelling from northern Pakistan to Islamabad, killing 47 people.
Are you in Karachi? Did you witness the crash? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in Karachi? Did you witness the crash? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.