Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into Dhaka School – At Least 19 Dead and Over 160 Injured
A devastating tragedy struck the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, when a Bangladeshi Air Force training jet crashed into a school campus, leaving at least 19 people dead and 164 injured. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting urgent rescue operations and a government-led investigation.
What Happened?
The fatal crash occurred on Monday afternoon when an F-7 fighter jet from the Bangladesh Air Force developed a mechanical fault shortly after take-off during a training exercise.
Time of incident: Just after 1:00 pm local time (07:06 GMT)
Location: Milestone School and College, in Uttara – a busy northern suburb of Dhaka
Victims: Among the 19 fatalities was the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam
The jet struck a two-storey building on the school premises, causing a massive explosion, fire, and thick plumes of smoke that could be seen from a distance.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described the moment as chaotic and terrifying, with the explosion shaking nearby buildings.
Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the college, told BBC Bangla:
“I saw the plane directly hit the building. It was like a nightmare.”
Masud Tarik, another teacher, told Reuters:
“When I looked back, I saw only fire and smoke. There were many guardians and kids here.”
A student recounted:
“The plane hit the building right in front of my eyes. Everyone started screaming and running.”
Casualties and Injuries
The injured included dozens of students and parents who were present on the school campus at the time of the crash.
More than 50 people have been taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with severe burns.
Victims range from children as young as 4 years old to teenagers aged 18.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the site to rescue survivors trapped under debris.
Response from Authorities
The Bangladesh Armed Forces confirmed the mechanical fault and praised the pilot for attempting to navigate the aircraft to a less populated area before the crash.
A formal investigation committee has been set up to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, expressed his condolences:
“This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation. I have instructed all authorities and hospitals to give top priority to treating the injured. Necessary measures will be taken to investigate the incident.”
Day of Mourning
The government has announced Tuesday as a national day of mourning.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country.
Special prayers and memorial services are expected to be held.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Images and footage from the site show:
Emergency workers digging through charred rubble to find survivors.
Large crowds of anxious onlookers, some climbing nearby buildings to watch the rescue efforts.
Fire brigades battling the blaze that erupted after the crash.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and hospitals across Dhaka have been placed on high alert to accommodate the injured.
Key Facts at a Glance
Death Toll: At least 19 (including the pilot)
Injured: 164 (over 50 with severe burns)
Aircraft: Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet
Location: Milestone School and College, Uttara, Dhaka
Cause: Mechanical fault (under investigation)
Government Response: Day of mourning declared, investigation launched
References:
National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery statement
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