Karachi hospitals received 97 bodies from the site of a PIA jet that crashed into a residential neighborhood while landing in Karachi, said Radio Pakistan. A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus with 99 people on board crashed on Friday afternoon while approaching the airport.
Smoke billowed at the scene where flight PK 8303 came down. Some roofs were caved in, and debris lay scattered in streets.
The relief and rescue work at the site of the plane crash continues. At least 97 bodies were recovered from the debris. Two survivors of the crash are under treatment in the hospital.
According to a spokesperson of the Sindh Health Department, 66 bodies of the crash victims were shifted to Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC). 31 bodies were in Civil Hospital.
With utmost regret, PIA announces that one of our Airbus A320 aircraft, operating flight PK8303 on approach to Karachi…
Gepostet von Pakistan International Airlines am Freitag, 22. Mai 2020
Meanwhile, Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Humayon Aziz also visited the place of the tragic incident and reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operation.
Moreover, he said on the directive of COAS, personnel of Pakistan Army and Rangers were busy in the rescue operation. Meanwhile, an emergency was declared in all major hospitals of Karachi after the plane crash.
PM promises inquiry
Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed grief over the unfortunate incident.
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
People react to PIA Aircraft crash
Meanwhile, renowned Pakistani politicians and celebrities have been sending prayers & condolences on Twitter.
میرا دل آج کے سانحے پر بہت غمگین ہے۔جمعتہ الوداع کے دن اس حادثے میں شہید ہونے والوں کے درجات کی بلندی کے لئے دعا گو ہوں۔اپنوں کو کھو دینے والوں کا دکھ بہت بڑا ہے, اللہ تعالی ان کو اس مشکل گھڑی میں صبر عطا کرے, میں ان کے دکھ میں برابر کا شریک ہوں. محمد نواز شریف
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 22, 2020
Devastating news of PIA plane crash… ya Allah have mercy on this nation. Just praying people may miraculously survive…
— Sharmila faruqi (@sharmilafaruqi) May 22, 2020
PIA plane crash. Another devastating news of the year. Prayers for the deceased and their families. Heartbreaking. 2020, can’t you just …..! pic.twitter.com/ivBDaaKGdt
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) May 22, 2020
Saddened by tragic news of PIA #PlaneCrash in #Karachi. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their dear ones in this crash and pray for the survivors fighting for their lives. Allah alone is the Saviour.
— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) May 22, 2020
Terrible news of @Official_PIA #planecrash.
Such a tragedy.. my heart goes out to all the victims & families. pic.twitter.com/IOHGFfQWnn— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) May 22, 2020
Heart Breaking visuals from the crash site Karachi ?
PIA airbus 320 was carrying around 91 passengers and 8 staff members, Pak Army has started rescue operation …. #planecrash pic.twitter.com/qH5Cd6t21l
— یَاسِفْ Yasif (@IamYasif) May 22, 2020
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ #PIA
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 22, 2020
Meanwhile, PIA said in its statement Emergency Response Unit was activated and its teams were in touch with all the aggrieved families. They can be further contacted at 021-99242284, 021-99043766 and 021-99043833.
