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PIA flight #PK661 crashes, 'bodies burned beyond recognition' (VIDEO, PHOTOS) PIA flight #PK661 crashes, 'bodies burned beyond recognition' (VIDEOS, PHOTOS)
(about 1 hour later)
A Pakistan International Airlines plane with up to 47 people on board has crashed while en route from Chitral to Islamabad. The flight crashed in Havelian, which is around 75 kilometers (45 miles) northwest of Islamabad. A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane with 48 people on board has crashed en route from Chitral to Islamabad. The flight came down in the village of Saddha Batolini near Havelian, which is around 75km (45 miles) northwest of Islamabad.
"PIA's ATR-42 aircraft operating as PK-661, carrying around 40 persons lost its contact with the control tower on its way from Chitral to Islamabad a short while ago," PIA spokesperson Daniyal Gilani tweeted.
In a statement from the airline, PIA also said their “emergency response center has been activated” and “all resources are being mobilized.” Troops and army helicopter have also been dispatched to the crash site, according to Radio Pakistan. In a statement from the airline, PIA confirmed there were 48 people on board the ATR-42 aircraft, including 42 passengers, five crew members and one ground engineer.
“Rescue efforts are underway and we are also ascertaining the extent of damage to life of those on board the aircraft,” the airline said. “PIA is doing everything possible to help the families of passengers and crew members for first hand information regarding the incident and damage.” 
PIA have also said that their “emergency response center has been activated” and “all resources are being mobilized.” Troops and army helicopter have been dispatched to the crash site, according to Radio Pakistan.
It’s not yet known what caused the crash, with initial concern raised after the plane lost contact with ground control. Other reports suggest engine problems.It’s not yet known what caused the crash, with initial concern raised after the plane lost contact with ground control. Other reports suggest engine problems.
"All of the bodies are burned beyond recognition. The debris is scattered," government official Taj Muhammad Khan told Reuters. Khan, who was at the crash site, said the aircraft was on fire before it hit the ground."All of the bodies are burned beyond recognition. The debris is scattered," government official Taj Muhammad Khan told Reuters. Khan, who was at the crash site, said the aircraft was on fire before it hit the ground.
It’s reported rescue crews have been sent to the crash site, including troops and helicopters.It’s reported rescue crews have been sent to the crash site, including troops and helicopters.
“I don't think there is any chance of finding any survivor,”said Pervez George, spokesman for Civil Aviation Authority. “I don't think there is any chance of finding any survivor,”said Pervez George, spokesman for Civil Aviation Authority. 
The military’s media wing ISPR told reporters that 21 bodies had so far been recovered from the crash site.The military’s media wing ISPR told reporters that 21 bodies had so far been recovered from the crash site.
A number of local outlets report that popular Pakistani singer and preacher Junaid Jamshed was on board the flight. Actor and singer Fakhar-e-Alam tweeted that his “friend & neighbour Junaid Jamshed was indeed on the unfortunate flight. Allah have mercy.”A number of local outlets report that popular Pakistani singer and preacher Junaid Jamshed was on board the flight. Actor and singer Fakhar-e-Alam tweeted that his “friend & neighbour Junaid Jamshed was indeed on the unfortunate flight. Allah have mercy.”
Images from the crash scene show smoldering wreckage in the side of a mountain.Images from the crash scene show smoldering wreckage in the side of a mountain.
Pakistani news outlet Dawn tweeted an apparent list of passengers on board the flight, including Jamshed. Deputy Commissioner of Chitral, Osama Ahmad Warraich, along with his wife are also reported to have been on the flight.Pakistani news outlet Dawn tweeted an apparent list of passengers on board the flight, including Jamshed. Deputy Commissioner of Chitral, Osama Ahmad Warraich, along with his wife are also reported to have been on the flight.
A reporter from Aaj News Urdu reported that two foreigners were also among the dead, although their nationalities are not yet known.A reporter from Aaj News Urdu reported that two foreigners were also among the dead, although their nationalities are not yet known.
Of the 42 passengers, 31 were reported to be male, nine female and two infants.Of the 42 passengers, 31 were reported to be male, nine female and two infants.
In 2006 all 45 people on board a PIA flight were killed when two engines failed after take-off from Multan International Airport.In 2006 all 45 people on board a PIA flight were killed when two engines failed after take-off from Multan International Airport.
All but nine PIA planes were banned from flying into European cities by the EU in 2007 following safety concerns over the ageing aircraft. Later that year the ban was lifted and PIA leased seven new Airbuses.All but nine PIA planes were banned from flying into European cities by the EU in 2007 following safety concerns over the ageing aircraft. Later that year the ban was lifted and PIA leased seven new Airbuses.