A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320 flying from Lahore has crashed in the densely populated Model Colony residential area of Karachi.

According to BBC, flight PK8303, carrying 91 passengers and eight crew, was trying to land at Jinnah International Airport. Provincial health officials confirmed at least 37 fatalities, but a far higher death toll is feared. At least two passengers survived.

The pilot had reported a loss of engine power and subsequently issued a mayday.

TV footage showed rescue crews combing through debris strewn across the streets of Model Colony, 3.2km north-east of the airport. A number of houses were destroyed.