At least 19 people were confirmed dead and more than 100 injured following a Bangladeshi air force training jet crash at Milestone School and College in the Uttara suburb of Dhaka. The incident, which occurred when the aircraft plummeted into the school campus, resulted in a massive fire and a thick cloud of smoke, witnessed by horrified students and teachers.
Footage from the scene depicted chaos as firefighters battled the flames engulfing the school, while medical personnel rushed to aid the injured. Reports state that more than 50 individuals, both children and adults, were transported to hospitals with severe burns, raising serious concerns over the growing death toll.
The military confirmed that the aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI, took off shortly before the crash at approximately 13:06 local time (0706 GMT), and eyewitnesses recounted traumatic scenes as they watched the plane collide directly with the building.
Bangladesh's interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed condolences in a statement, stating that “necessary measures” would be implemented to investigate the cause of the tragic event and ensure that all necessary assistance was provided to those affected. He emphasized the importance of addressing this crisis with urgency, extending wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and calling for relentless support from relevant authorities.
As investigations into the incident progress, the nation mourns the significant loss, reflecting upon the catastrophic consequences of aviation accidents tied to public safety, particularly within urban environments.
