By: Lalarukh
By now, almost the entire population has heard about the devastating plane crash. An Airbus A320 of Pakistan International Airlines crashed in a residential area, Model Colony, in Karachi. The plane had reached the airport but was unable to deploy landing gear, and was told it has both runways free to land. Instead, the pilots chose a technique referred to as the ‘go-around’, where they would circle back and try to deploy the wheels again. In the audio files circulating on local news channels, the pilot can be heard saying, “lost engines,” to which the traffic controller asks whether they will attempt a “belly-landing”.
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” were the final words heard from the pilot.
The plane was carrying 91 passengers and was destined to arrive in Karachi mere seconds after the crash. Around 5 houses have been severely damaged, and the ongoing rescue operation is still attempting to free people from the debris. At Least 57 bodies have been recovered, and 3 survivors have been reported. They are undergoing surgeries crucial for their survival.
Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted: “Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash… Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased.” Executive Director Guillaume Faury tweeted, “We at Airbus are deeply saddened by the tragic news of flight #PK8303. My thoughts and those of my Airbus colleagues, go to the families and loved ones affected. In aviation, we all work hard to prevent this. Airbus will provide full assistance to the investigating authorities.” They have promised to assist Pakistan and France in their investigations. Videos of the crash, posted by news anchors have been going viral on social media.
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The crash comes just a week after Pakistan resumed flights, which had been indefinitely postponed due to the lock-down put in place to control the coronavirus pandemic. PIA does not have the best track record, with extreme crashes in 2016, 2012, and 2010. PIA claims that the plane had passed its annual airworthiness check in November, but the incident has led to the nation criticizing not only the engineers but the pilots too. Tweets have surfaced from those directly and indirectly affected or involved, both in favor and against the pilots/engineers.
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In these uncertain times, with the pandemic continuing indefinitely, and now the crash serving another blow, we, as a nation, need to come together to come out of this alive. If anything, this incident shows how unpredictable life is, and how quickly death can ruin all. How death doesn't discriminate between the economy, business, or first class, and how trauma doesn't care for your socioeconomic status. So be kind, stay safe, and may God grant the victims and their families patience.
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