97 confirmed dead, 2 survivors in Karachi plane tragedy

KARACHI: Pakistan's Sindh government on Saturday confirmed that 97 bodies were recovered from the debris of the plane crash that took place a day earlier in a residential area in Karachi near the city's airport.

According to the province's Health Ministry, 66 bodies were shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and 31 to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), reports The Express Tribune.

The Ministry reported two survivors, adding that 19 bodies have been identified so far. Pakistan Army's media wing said a rescue operation was still underway by the Army Search and Rescue Team, Army troops, Rangers and social welfare organisations.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Babar Iftikhar said 25 houses have been cleared and the residents of the densely populated Model Colony have been accommodated at various places.

En route from Lahore, flight PK 8303, an A320 Airbus, crashed on Friday while it was trying to land in Karachi. It was carrying 91 passengers and eight crew members.

On Saturday, the PIA Engineering and Maintenance Department released an executive summary of the crash which included information on wrecked aircraft engines, landing gear, flying history and maintenance, The Express Tribune reported. The first engine of the aircraft was installed on February 25, 2019, and the second on May 27, 2019. All three landing gears of the aircraft were installed on October 18, 2014. (IANS)