Deadly Crash Rocks Dhaka Suburb
At least 19 people have died and 164 others were injured after a Bangladeshi Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in the Uttara suburb of Dhaka on Monday. The crash triggered a massive fire, thick smoke, and widespread panic as students, staff, and bystanders were caught in the chaos.
Footage Shows Blaze and Rubble
Videos from the scene showed the two-storey building engulfed in flames as emergency workers sifted through charred debris, searching for survivors. Huge crowds gathered around the school, many climbing rooftops to witness the aftermath.
Pilot Among the Dead
The F-7 aircraft, used for training missions, reportedly experienced a mechanical fault shortly after takeoff around 13:00 local time (07:06 GMT). The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among those killed. According to the armed forces, he attempted to divert the aircraft to a less populated area before impact.
Victims Include Children and Teachers
More than 50 people, including both children and adults, were rushed to local hospitals, many suffering from burn injuries, said a doctor at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Students at the school range in age from four to 18 years old.
Eyewitnesses described the moment of impact.
“I saw the plane directly hit the building,” said teacher Rezaul Islam.
“When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke,” added fellow teacher Masud Tarik.
A student, visibly shaken, recounted seeing the crash “right in front of my eyes.”
Nation Mourns as Investigation Begins
An official investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash. Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus called the event a “moment of deep sorrow for the nation,” pledging full assistance to the injured and their families.
He also declared Tuesday a national day of mourning, with the flag to be flown at half-mast throughout the country.
“I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities to deal with the situation with utmost importance,” Yunus said in a statement on X.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
As emergency teams continue rescue operations, the focus remains on finding any remaining survivors and stabilizing the injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising concerns about aircraft safety and emergency preparedness in densely populated urban areas.