Plane Crashes into Residential Buildings in Karachi

In a deeply saddening scene, smoke billowed from a residential complex in Karachi as the debris from the Airbus A320 that crashed into it was strewn about and screams and cries filled the air.

The Pakistan International Airlines's Airbus Jet, PK 8303, carrying 91 passengers from Lahore to Karachi crashed into a mobile tower before colliding with a residential complex around 14:30 on Friday. Army and rescue rushed to help.

The crash is still being investigated by authorities, but a senior civil aviation official told Reuters that it appeared the plane had been unable to lower it's undercarriage for the first landing approach due to a technical fault. One of the pilots said that he had lost power from both engines and then, the air traffic controller asked the pilot about a possible belly landing. The last communication from the pilot was, "Mayday, mayday, mayday" before the crash took place.

The search  for the "black-box" that records pilot conversation and other data was started immediately after the crash, as it can provide essential clues regarding the incident and its causes.

There are 76 casualties that have been confirmed by the local media and the authorities. 44 corpses are being kept in Karachi's largest government hospital and 29 in another major state run hospital. 5 people are being treated for severe burns and 6 people are being treated for injuries. DNA testing is going on for victims so they can be returned to their loved ones.

Air travel was opened up again after a lengthy suspension in time for the festival of Eid when people usually visit their relatives.

This tragedy was so poorly timed and occured not only during a festival that brings happiness and brings families together but also during the pandemic that has taken many lives. The affected have our sincerest condolences and prayers.

Written by: Katyayani Nath