shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > World News > Article > Pak to probe plane crash that killed 127

Pak to probe plane crash that killed 127

Updated on: 21 April,2012 04:04 PM IST  | 
Agencies |

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced a judicial probe into the air-crash near here that killed 127 people. Several staff of the airline have been barred from leaving the country until the investigation is completed.

Pak to probe plane crash that killed 127

u00a0


The Bhoja Airlines flight from Karachi with 118 passengers and nine crew members crashed Friday, minutes before it was to land at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport at 7 pm.u00a0

u00a0


The plane had taken off from Karachi at 5 pm. The pilot lost contact with the control tower at 6.40 pm, Geo TV reported. It was the airline's maiden flight on the route.
u00a0
Gilani termed the crash "a great tragedy in the history of Pakistan". He was speaking to the media after visiting the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where the victims' bodies are kept.u00a0
u00a0
Earlier, officials confirmed that all people on board the plane were dead.u00a0
u00a0
Special counters have been set up at the PIMS to facilitate the relatives, who arrived here Saturday on a special plane from Karachi.u00a0
u00a0
They appealed to the government to complete the investigation at the earliest and make the findings public.u00a0
u00a0
Officials from the National Database and Registration Authority are helping identify the bodies. DNA tests are also being carried, as some of the bodies are mutilated.
u00a0
Waseem Khawaja, who is in charge of PIMS, said the bodies had been brought in more than 100 bags. At least 100 bodies have been identified so far.
u00a0
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said today that several officials of the airline, including the owner, have been barred from leaving the country until the probe into the crash is complete.u00a0
u00a0
Meanwhile, US aircraft company Boeing has offered technical assistance in the investigation into the plane crash.
u00a0
In a condolence message, the company expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and said it was ready to help Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority in probing the accident.
u00a0
Aviation sources said the black box flight recorder of the ill-fated plane has been recovered and would help understand the cause of the crash.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK