Pakistani passenger plane crashes near Karachi, 107 on board

A passenger plane carrying 107 passengers and crew belonging to state-run Pakistan International Airlines crashed near the southern port city of Karachi on Friday, a civil aviation official said.

A resident of the area, Abdul Rahman, said he saw the aircraft circle at least three times, appearing to try to land before it crashed into several houses.

Local television reports showed smoke coming from the direction of the airport and video emerging of the aircraft flying low over a residential area seemed showed apparent flames shooting from one of the engines. Ambulances were on their way to the airport and there were reports of some injuries, possibly residents on the ground.