An Airbus A321 passenger plane with 152 people on board has crashed into hills near Pakistan's capital Islamabad.
The Airblue flight from the southern city of Karachi lost contact with Islamabad airport's control room as it was trying to land in rainy weather, Pakistani officials say.
A huge rescue operation involving medics, firefighters and the army was launched in the heavily forested Margalla Hills.
Rescuers combed through the wreckage of the plane scattered across the hill, searching for survivors.
But officials later said all 152 passengers and crew on board died in the crash.
The plane's flight recorder - which could help establish the cause of the crash - was also found.
Difficult terrain and bad weather are hampering the recovery operation.
Distraught relatives gathered at Islamabad's airport and local hospitals - desperate to hear news about their loved ones.
Many people were anxiously studying the plane's passenger list posted at hospitals and Airblue's ticket counter at the airport. Two Americans were among the victims, said a US embassy spokesman in Islamabad.
Airblue began operations in 2004 with a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
- Published28 July 2010
- Published21 March 2022
