PM directs immediate inquiry into tragic plane crash incident

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered an inquiry into the tragic plane crash incident.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane, with an estimated 98 people onboard, crashed in Karachi’s Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport on Friday.

On a social media website Twitter, the prime minister said that an immediate inquiry in the crash incident will be instituted.

PM further said that he is shocked and saddened by the PIA crash. He maintained, “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.”

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

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez confirmed the crash and added that the A320 Airbus was carrying 90 passengers and 8 crew members from Lahore to Karachi on PK 8303.

The spokesman said the aircraft lost contact with ATC Karachi at 1437 hours and crashing after developing a technical fault. Captain Sajjad Gul and First Officer Usman Azam were flying the aircraft. The crew members were Fareed Ahmed Chaudhry, Abdul Qayyum Ashraf, Malik Irfan Ghallu, Madiha Iram, Amina Irfan, and Aasman Shahzadi.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has sent a team to the crash site as ambulances and rescue officials arrived at the scene to help residents.

An emergency has been declared in all major hospitals and medical staff have been alerted. Several houses and vehicles were also damaged in the incident and efforts are being made to rescue the injured and send them to hospital.