DHAKA: A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft tragically crashed into a school campus in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 100 others, officials confirmed. The deadly incident occurred at Milestone School and College in the city’s Uttara neighbourhood during school hours.
The Chinese-made F-7 BGI jet, used for training purposes by the Bangladesh Air Force, crashed shortly after takeoff in the afternoon. Witnesses reported a loud explosion followed by thick smoke and panic as debris hit classrooms where students were attending lessons.
Officials from the Fire Service and Civil Defense reported that the majority of the victims were students, with many suffering severe burn injuries. Rescue operations began immediately, with 116 individuals pulled from the wreckage and transported to local hospitals.
Authorities said the pilot, who was among those killed, had attempted to steer the aircraft away from more densely populated zones before the crash. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, although initial findings suggest a technical malfunction.
This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving a military aircraft in Bangladesh in recent years. The school has suspended operations until further notice, and families have gathered at hospitals and emergency centres seeking updates on missing or injured relatives.
The Bangladesh government expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised a thorough probe into the tragedy. The Defence Ministry is expected to release more details in the coming days.
