PIA crash: 97 bodies recovered as relief, rescue work underway

KARACHI: The relief and rescue work at the site of a plane crash near Karachi airport is underway and 97 dead bodies have been recovered from the debris while the two survivors of the crash are under treatment in the hospital.

According to ISPR, the rescue operation is in progress by army search and rescue team, army troops, Rangers personnel and social welfare organisations. The miliary’s press wing confirmed that  97 bodies have been recovered and two passengers have survived the incident.

It added that 25 affected houses cleared and their residents have been accommodated at various places with the assistance of the civil administration.

Update #PIA Incident:
Rescue Op in progress by Army Search & Rescue Team, Army troops, Rangers & social welfare orgs. 97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with assistance of Civil Administration.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 23, 2020

According to a spokesperson of the Provincial Health Department, 66 bodies of the crash victims have been shifted to Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC) while 31 dead bodies are in Civil Hospital, while 19 bodies have been identified so far.

Meanwhile, Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Humayon Aziz also visited the place of the tragic incident and reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operation. He said that personnel of Pakistan Army and Rangers assisted in the rescue operation on the directives of the army chief.

A Sample Collection Unit for DNA tests of plane crash victims and their families has been established at Forensic DNA Lab University of Karachi. According to the Sindh Health Department, family members of the passengers of PK-8303 may visit for samples that would be required for cross match.

The Civil Aviation Authority has also established a helpline that will remain functional round the clock for keeping updated the family members and relatives of the PK-8303 passengers.

Yesterday, Chief Executive Officer PIA Air Marshal (Retd.) Arshad Malik said the Safety Investigation Board will hold a thorough inquiry into the tragic incident of the plane crash in Karachi.

Addressing a news conference in Karachi, he said the cause of the incident will be ascertained after taking all factors into account for the investigation. He said the crashed plane was technically fit for flying and there was no obvious reason for the accident. He said a plane is given clearance only after all technical checks are made.

The PIA chief said the landing of the plane is done after getting clearance from Civil Aviation Authority. He said the airplane of Airbus that crashed was totally fit and safe for flying. He said PIA pilots are some of the best in the world and cabin crew was also qualified as well as inspection of the plane was regularly done.

Arshad Malik said the rescue operation is in full swing despite night time and technical difficulties of operating in a residential area. He said PIA has vacated its hotels in Karachi to house the relatives of the deceased.