Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash in Dhaka School Claims 27 Lives, Injures Over 160
A catastrophic event unfolded in Dhaka's Uttara area on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus, resulting in at least 27 fatalities and injuring over 160 individuals. The jet had departed shortly after 1:00 PM local time before colliding with the school building.
Fire and rescue officials confirmed the recovery of 19 bodies from the crash site, with the death toll later escalating. The injured include students, educators, and passersby, with hospital authorities reporting numerous cases of severe burns and trauma. The casualties included a third-grade student, with several other minors also suffering injuries.
Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as fire and dense smoke surrounded the school premises. "When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke," shared Masud Tarik, a local teacher who was there to pick up his children when the crash occurred.
In response to the tragedy, the Chief Adviser’s Office announced a one-day state of mourning on Tuesday, with national flags lowered to half-mast across government and private institutions and diplomatic missions worldwide.
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus conveyed profound sorrow over the incident and pledged a comprehensive investigation. “The loss suffered by the Air Force and the students, parents, and staff of Milestone School is irreparable,” he remarked.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, President of the opposition BNP, visited those injured at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, urging the nation to come together in support and compassion for those impacted.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka… India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”
The tragedy has triggered grief and anger throughout Bangladesh, with officials committing to providing all necessary aid to the victims and their families. An official investigation into the cause of the crash has been initiated.
