48 die in PIA plane crash near Havelian

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – An Islamabad-bound plane (PK-661) coming from Chitral crashed near Havelian on Wednesday. Sources said that the plane disconnected its contact with the control tower new Havelian. They said that the plane shut down during the flight. Saleh Yar Janjua was the pilot, while Ahmed Janjua and Ali Akram were co-pilots. The plane carrying 42 passengers, including 31 men, nine women and two children, had to reach Islamabad at 4:20pm. Chitral Deputy Commissioner Usama Warraich and his family were also on board. Air hostesses Sadaf Farooq and Asma Adil, a ground engineer, ASI Ihsan and Corporal Samiullah were on duty at the time of tragedy. DIG Hazara Syed Wazir said that the plane has destroyed and high flames are growing from the wreckage. He said that the plane fell away from the residential area. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragedy. He has directed all departments concerned to reach the site and launch the rescue and relief operation. Sources said that pop singer Junaid Jamshed was also in the plane. His brother has confirmed the news. Moreover, Koreans, Chinese and Austrian nationals were among the passengers. The PIA has established an emergency response centre to deal with the situation. According to the ISPR, 40 bodies have been shifted to Ayub Medical Complex, Abbotabad. As many as 500 jawans, including doctors and paramedics, are participating in the rescue operation. The rescue teams have been provided with ambulances and other vehicles.