An investigation is ongoing regarding the crash of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight PK-661 that fell from nearly 14,000 feet killing all aboard Wednesday (Dec. 7, 2016).
Most of the 47 people were burned so badly that their remains will be sent to labs for DNA testing for identification.
Although some media reports indicate that the left engine of the ATR-42 aircraft malfunctioned in flight and exploded, damaging a wing, the PIA has not confirmed this account and a spokesperson from the airlines has said that both engines were operating. The airlines said it will report its findings after examining the findings contained in the black box of the state carrier that has been recovered from the wreckage. The Safety Investigation Board (SIB), an independent body, is investigating the matter as well.
The turboprop aircraft was en route from Chitral to Islamabad when it crashed. Army troops and army helicopters were dispatched to the rugged terrain where the debris was found scattered across a mountainous area, about 31 miles short of its destination.
The country is in mourning for the 47 who perished in weather conditions that were said to be normal.