Sources said that the flight, PK 302, was taxiing on the runway when a bird smashed into its engine number one. At least 421 passengers were reported to be onboard.

Ambulances and rescue teams reached the spot to put out the fire.

Spokesman for PIA, Sultan Hasan said all the passengers are safe and will be taken to Lahore through another fight.

“We heard a loud voice as the plane took off,” said a passenger Sumaiyya Baig.

“The incident of birds bumping is usual, we stop the plane in such situation and resumes the flight after examination,” said PIA spokesman Sultan Hasan. “In some cases the damaged plane replaced with a new one”.

An emergency has been declared at the Karachi airport. —Agencies