Pak Navy's surveillance plane crashes into refinery

Karachi: An unmanned surveillance aircraft of the Pakistan Navy crashed into an oil refinery and burst into flames following a bird hit in Karachi. No casualties or damage to property on the ground were reported.

The drone crashed into the National Refinery in the Korangi area of Karachi. The aircraft was seen flying at a low altitude before it crashed, witnesses said.

Local news channels quoted naval officials as saying that the drone was on a routine surveillance flight when it crashed after hitting a bird. The aircraft burst into flames after hitting the ground but the fire was extinguished.

A naval spokesperson confirmed the crash of the unmanned aerial vehicle and said such aircraft were used for photography and surveillance.

Police and security forces cordoned off the area and prevented people and the media from approaching the refinery.

The Pakistan navy has increased aerial monitoring of Karachi after terrorists attacked the navy's main airbase in Pakistan's largest city in May. Ten security personnel were killed and two maritime surveillance aircraft were destroyed in that attack.