A devastating scene unfolded on Monday afternoon in Dhaka’s Uttara area when a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 100. According to The Indian Express, the Chinese-made F-7 BGI aircraft, commonly used for pilot training, crashed shortly after 1:00 pm while students and staff were inside the school building. The impact sent panic through the campus, with students and teachers rushing to escape as smoke and fire filled the premises.
Details of the Crash
According to eyewitnesses, the jet lost control before striking the front of the three-storey school, damaging a significant portion of the building and trapping several inside. Intense fire and heavy smoke were visible from a distance, and television footage captured chaotic scenes as injured students were led outside, many of them bleeding and in shock. The initial rescue was undertaken by school staff and local residents before emergency services and the army reached the scene and took over evacuation operations.
Response and Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams responded swiftly to the disaster. The Bangladesh Army, Air Force, and fire service worked together to evacuate the injured, many of whom were rushed to hospital in whatever vehicles were available, including rickshaw vans. At least one person was confirmed dead at the scene, while the total number of injured continues to be updated, with current estimates suggesting that over 30 have been hospitalized for burns and trauma. Rescue activities stretched throughout the afternoon and evening as authorities worked to confirm the safety and whereabouts of all students and staff.
Official Statements and Investigation
The Bangladesh Army’s public relations office identified the crashed plane as an F-7 BGI belonging to the Air Force but so far has not released information about the pilot’s fate or whether an ejection occurred. Fire service officials reported significant casualties and property damage, while disaster response teams remain on-site assessing the situation. An official investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash, and authorities have assured the public of a transparent inquiry.
Government and Community Response
The incident has drawn strong reactions from government officials, with Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus calling the crash an “irreparable tragedy” and pledging comprehensive assistance to affected families. The Minister for Education and local leaders visited the scene, offering support to the school community and assurances that the government would provide the necessary resources for recovery and rehabilitation. Grief and shock spread not just through the school but throughout Dhaka, as news of the accident dominated headlines.
Aviation Safety Concerns
This crash is the second involving a Chinese-built F-7 fighter jet in the region in the past year, raising new questions about the safety of the aircraft models and the condition of Bangladesh’s military aviation fleet. Debate has intensified over defense procurement and standards of maintenance, with aviation experts calling for urgent reviews to prevent future disasters.
Ongoing Recovery and the Path Forward
Rescue and recovery teams continue their work at Milestone School and College, supporting families, assessing property damage, and seeking answers about how such a tragedy could occur. The government has promised a thorough investigation and long-term support for all affected. As the community mourns, there is now a renewed demand for higher safety standards and better preparedness around both military and civilian infrastructure in dense urban areas.
Photo Credit: Indian Express
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