Karachi: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane with over 100 people onboard crashed in a residential area in Karachi near the city's Jinnah International Airport on Friday, a spokesman for the flag carrier said, but did not confirm any casualties. "The plane PK 8303 with 99 passengers and eight crew members has crashed," The Express Tribune quoted the spokesman as saying.

The crash took place in the city's densely populated Model Colony area. It caused significant damage in the residential area and reportedly destroyed four residences.

PIA spokesperson Abdul Sattar confirmed the crash and added that the A320 Airbus was flying from Lahore to Karachi.

"Saying anything right now would be premature. Our crew is trained to handle emergency landings.

"All my prayers are with the families. We will continue to provide information in a transparent manner," he was quoted as saying in a statement by Dawn news.

Footage showed plumes of smoke rising from the site of the crash.

A witness told Dawn news that the plane was on fire in the air before crashing.

A PIA official, speaking to a private TV channel, said the aircraft lost communication with the ground staff at 2.37 p.m. and crashed around a minute before landing.

Another official told The Express Tribune that the plane was leased from China and was around 10 to 12 years old.

Reportedly both engines failed, added the official.

"The plane took off from Lahore at 1 p.m. and was scheduled to land in Karachi at 2.45 p.m." (IANS)