Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) CEO Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik said on Friday the crashed plane was experiencing “technical difficulties”.
In a video message after the tragic incident, he said, “The pilot of the crashed PIA plane had told ATC that the plane was experiencing technical difficulties.”
He said the pilot was informed that both runways were available for landing but he decided to do a go-around.
A Pakistan International Airline (PIA) aircraft traveling from Lahore to Karachi has crashed near Jinnah International Airport on Friday. The flight on its way from Lahore to Karachi.
Footage showed plumes of smoke rising from the site of the crash. Ambulances and rescue officials arrived at the scene to help residents.
A young kid being rescued out of the #PlaneCrash site ?
Prayers for the victims & their families. pic.twitter.com/wFh5KaUyXB— حناء ✨ (@HinaRKharal) May 22, 2020
Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was “shocked and saddened by the PIA 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
TV footage showed smoke rising from the site of the crash within the congested residential area. Meanwhile, ambulances and rescue officials arrived at the scene to help residents.
