Eight people feared dead as cargo plane crashes into residential area in Karachi

A cargo plane crashed into a residential area of Pakistan's largest city soon after take off Sunday, setting off a huge blaze.

The aircraft had eight crew on board, the civil aviation authority said.

Casualties on the ground appeared likely. TV footage showed a large fire at the scene of the crash in Karachi.

Disaster: Flames rise from the debris of a cargo plane after it crashed in a residential area in Karachi shortly after take-off

Witnesses at the scene said several buildings were on fire and loud explosions were being heard. The plane came down in a housing complex for Naval officers, the witnesses said.

Aviation authority spokesman Pervais George said the Russian-made cargo plane was heading to Sudan when it came down two minutes after take off. He said he could not confirm any information on casualties.

The crash was the third in less than four months in Pakistan.

Rescue mission: The plane came down in a housing complex for Naval officers

Earlier this month in Karachi, 21 people were killed when a small passenger plane crashed soon after take off.

In July, a passenger jet operated by Pakistan carrier Airblue crashed into hills overlooking the capital, Islamabad, during stormy weather, killing all 152 onboard.