Pakistan IA Plane Crashes, Up to 47 on Board

Local Editor

A Pakistan International Airlines [PIA] plane with up to 47 people on board is reported to have crashed while en route from Chitral to Islamabad.

Pakistan's Dunya News reports that flight PK-661 crashedin the village of Bodlain in the province of Havelian on Wednesday.

"PIA's ATR-42 aircraft operating as PK-661, carrying around 40 persons lost its contact with the control tower on its way from Chitral to Islamabad a short while ago," PIA spokesperson Daniyal Gilani tweeted.

In a statement from the airline, PIA also said their "emergency response center has been activated" and "all resources are being mobilized." Troops and army helicopter have also been dispatched to the crash site, according to Radio Pakistan.

It's not yet known what caused the crash, with initial concern raised after the plane lost contact with ground control.

Other reports suggest engine problems.

"All of the bodies are burned beyond recognition. The debris is scattered," government official Taj Muhammad Khan told Reuters. Khan, who was at the crash site, said the aircraft was on fire before it hit the ground.

It's reported that rescue crews have been sent to the crash site, including troops and helicopters.

A number of local outlets report that popular Pakistani preacher Junaid Jamshed was on board the flight. Actor Fakhar-e-Alam tweeted that his "friend & neighbor Junaid Jamshed was indeed on the unfortunate flight. Allah have mercy."

Pakistani news outlet Dawn tweeted an apparent list of passengers on board the flight, including Jamshed.

A reporter from Aaj News Urdu reported that two foreigners were among the dead.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team