Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School, Killing 19 and Injuring Over 100
A Tragic Air Crash Shakes Bangladesh’s Capital
A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 19 people — including students and the pilot — and injuring more than 100. The jet hit Milestone School and College, located in the city’s busy Uttara neighborhood, just minutes after taking off.
This is one of the deadliest air disasters in the capital in recent years. The crash has left the country in mourning, as families, students, and the community struggle to cope with the aftermath.
Jet Crashed Shortly After Takeoff
According to military officials, the aircraft was a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet. It took off from the Bangladesh Air Force Base A.K. Khandaker in the Kurmitola area at 1:06 p.m. local time. Within minutes, it experienced a technical malfunction and crashed into a two-story school building.
The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam, attempted to steer the jet away from densely populated areas. Despite his efforts, the aircraft crashed directly into the Milestone School and caught fire.
“The pilot made every effort to divert the aircraft,” a military statement said. “Unfortunately, the jet crashed into the school campus.”
Most Victims Were Students
The Fire Service and Civil Defense confirmed that at least 19 people died, most of them students. Another 116 were injured, with many suffering from burns.
Doctors at Uttara Adhunik Hospital said over 60 injured students, mostly aged between 12 and 16, were transferred to a specialized burn center. The condition of some victims remains critical.
The crash caused chaos in the area. Rescuers and local residents rushed to help, carrying injured students on their laps or using rickshaws and motorbikes to get them to hospitals quickly.
“My daughter was covered in ash and crying,” one father told reporters. “I didn’t know if she was alive until I heard her voice.”
Panic and Devastation at the Scene
Witnesses described a horrifying scene. The school buildings shook from the impact, and a loud explosion followed. Students and teachers ran for cover as smoke filled the campus.
“My God! It’s my school,” said Rafiqa Taha, a 16-year-old student who wasn’t on campus during the crash. “I was terrified watching the videos on TV.”
Parents rushed to the school, many crying and searching for their children. A mother who had found one child continued to search desperately for the other. At nearby hospitals, the sound of sobbing and shouting filled the hallways.
Emergency crews faced challenges as they tried to rescue people from the wreckage. The crash site is near a metro station and surrounded by shops and homes, making the area difficult to access.
By evening, soldiers were still searching the debris for bodies.
National Mourning and Promises of Investigation
In response to the disaster, the Bangladeshi government announced a national day of mourning for Tuesday. Flags will fly at half-staff across the country.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow, calling the crash “a heartbreaking accident.” He promised a full investigation and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
“This is an irreparable loss,” Yunus said in a statement. “Students, teachers, staff, parents, and Air Force personnel — all have been affected. It’s a moment of deep national grief.”
International Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also responded, calling the event a “tragic air crash in Dhaka.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”
What Happens Next
A high-level committee within the Bangladesh Air Force will investigate the crash. Officials say they will examine what caused the jet’s malfunction and how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.
In the meantime, families are mourning their loved ones, and students, teachers, and staff are recovering from physical injuries and emotional trauma. The entire nation stands still in grief — united by one of the most tragic events in recent memory.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
Source: AP News – A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashes into a Dhaka school, killing at least 19
