Reports say PIA Airbus A32 PK8303 - special flight run for Eid amid Coronavirus pandemic - was flying from Lahore to Karachi and came down plunging in Model colony near Karachi airport 10 minutes before landing.
The fate of the people was not immediately known. The CAA sources said that its communication with the plane was cut off one minute before its landing. Several houses have been damaged in the area where the aircraft crashed. The early clips and pictures shared on social media show smoke billowing from the site of the crash.
Speaking of the incident, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said, "I 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."
Commenting the scale of the disaster, an IANS report quoted a senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority who confirmed the incident stating that "It is too early to say anything. We are collecting details of passengers. Meanwhile the rescue operation is underway.”
Dawn news has reported that for the early measures, Army Quick Reaction Force and Sindh Pakistan Rangers have been rushed to the site for relief and rescue efforts alongside civil administration. Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters have also reached the site to assess the damage and carry out rescue efforts.
Reports have mentioned that several ambulances and Urban Search and Rescue Teams were also being sent on site to help residents.
Meanwhile, in wake of the major mishap, Sindh's Ministry of Health and Population Welfare has declared emergency in all major hospitals of Karachi.