At least 27 individuals have lost their lives following the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force jet into a private school campus in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. This incident marks the deadliest airplane crash in Dhaka in recent memory.
The aircraft involved was an F-7 BGI jet, a variant of a Chinese fighter. The jet crashed into the Milestone School and College campus, located in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka. The pilot of the jet was among those who perished, and a staggering 171 individuals, predominantly students, sustained injuries in the accident.
Details surrounding the crash are still unfolding, but initial reports indicate that the aircraft experienced a “technical malfunction” shortly after takeoff. The military confirmed that the jet took off from Bangladesh Air Force Base A.K. Khandaker at 1:06 p.m. and crashed soon afterward, erupting into flames upon impact. Efforts by the pilot to avoid populated areas were unsuccessful as the jet struck a two-story building.
Milestone School, where the crash occurred, serves approximately 2,000 students and has been recognized for its educational excellence over the past two decades. Rafiqa Taha, a student who was absent during the incident, explained that the school provides classes ranging from elementary to 12th grade, boasting a strong focus on extracurricular activities and career counseling.
The Uttara neighborhood, part of the larger metropolitan area of Dhaka, is home to over 20 million residents. Local media reports indicate that numerous injured individuals were students engaged in afternoon classes at the time of the crash.
In the wake of this tragic event, reactions have been swift. Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed profound sorrow over the “heartbreaking accident” and pledged a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash. The government has declared a day of mourning for Tuesday, with flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide.
Internationally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the victims' families, stating, “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”
The investigation into the crash by a high-level Air Force committee is expected to provide further insights into the tragic mishap. As the nation grapples with the fallout from this catastrophe, the focus remains on the victims and supporting their families during this difficult time.
