Pakistan International Airlines passenger plane crashes in Karachi, the death of all passengers and cabin crew

The mayor of Karachi says a Pakistani passenger plane carrying 107 passengers and crew and belonging to state-run Pakistan International Airlines has crashed, killing everyone on board.

Mayor Wasim Akhtar, at the site of the crash, said the plane went down in a crowded neighbourhood on the edge of the airport. The aircraft arriving from the eastern city of Lahore was carrying 99 passengers and eight crew members, he said.

Witnesses said the Airbus A320 appeared to attempt to land two or three times before crashing in a residential area near Jinnah International Airport. Local television reports showed smoke coming from the direction of the airport.

A resident of the area, Abdul Rahman, said he saw the aircraft circle at least three times, appearing to try to land at the airport before it crashed into several houses.

Police and military had cordoned off the area.

Airbus did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the crash.

CBC