At least 27 people were killed and over 160 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday. The jet had taken off shortly after 1:00 PM local time before slamming into the side of the school building.
Fire and rescue officials confirmed that 19 bodies were recovered from the crash site, with the toll rising later. Among the injured were students, teachers, and bystanders. Hospital authorities reported multiple cases of severe burns and trauma, including the death of a third-grade student and injuries to other minors.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames and thick smoke engulfed the school grounds. “When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke,” said local teacher Masud Tarik, who was picking up his children when the crash occurred.
The Chief Adviser’s Office declared a one-day state mourning on Tuesday. National flags were flown at half-mast across government and private buildings and diplomatic missions abroad.
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and vowed a full investigation into the crash. “The loss suffered by the Air Force and the students, parents, and staff of Milestone School is irreparable,” he stated.
President of the opposition BNP, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visited the injured at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and urged the nation to unite in compassion and support for those affected.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences, writing 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 incident has sparked grief and outrage across Bangladesh, with authorities promising to provide all necessary aid to victims and their families. A formal investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
