Pakistan International Airlines Flight Crashes In Karachi

A Pakistan International Airlines flight has crashed in Karachi, the airline's spokesperson, Abdullah Khan, told CNN Friday. 

Pakistan’s Aviation Ministry says the flight had 99 passengers and eight crew members.

Khan told CNN the flight took off from Lahore and was due to land at 2:30 p.m. local time (5.30 a.m. ET) in Karachi but had gone missing from the radar. 

An emergency response protocol has been activated.

Plane that crashed was Airbus A320

The Pakistan International Airlines, flight PK8303, which crashed today in Karachi, was an Airbus A320.

Pakistan’s Army sent helicopters to assess damage and rescue efforts while urban search and rescue teams are being deployed on the ground, Pakistan’s military tweeted Friday.

The Airbus A320 is known as a work horse, says CNN's transport analyst Mary Schiavo, who added that Pakistan has been plagued with several plane crashes in the past.

Plane’s pilot reported technical problems

The pilot of a Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed in Karachi on Friday relayed he had technical problems, airline spokesperson Abdullah Khan told CNN.

"The pilot in his Mayday call had said that he was experiencing technical problems. He had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost."

Flights had resumed in Pakistan just a week ago

Flights had resumed in Pakistan just over a week ago after being grounded for two months, as a precaution to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Pakistan International Airways flight crashed in a residential area in Karachi, which is the country's most populated city. Worries are mounting that people on the ground will be among the casualties.

The crash comes as the country prepares to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the start of  Eid al-Fitr, with many traveling home to their families in towns and villages.