anikshare

It appears that the pilot radioed air traffic control (ATC) to report technical problems—an engine failure[10] or landing gear problems.[4] Shortly before contact was lost, ATC told the pilot that he had two available runways at his disposal.[10][14] According to PIA's Chief Executive Officer, Arshad Malik, the pilot told the control room that there was a technical issue and he decided to go around rather than land even though two runways were ready for landing.[13] The pilot reportedly told the controller, "we are returning back, sir, we have lost engines". Twelve seconds later he issued a Mayday alert.[15]

The narrow streets and alleys comprising the area inhibited the rescue services.[4] ISPR, the Pakistani military media, reported that special forces of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers had set up a cordon.[9][4] Video footage of the scene of the crash from GEO TV showed emergency teams trying to reach the scene amid rubble, clouds of black smoke and flames in the background.[14]