At least 19 people have died after a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into a school campus in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The tragic incident occurred at Milestone School and College in the northern suburb of Uttara, where more than 100 individuals were injured, including children and adults. A doctor from the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery reported that over 50 people were hospitalized with burns.
The military has confirmed that the aircraft involved was one of its own. Footage from the scene reveals a massive fire and thick plumes of smoke billowing from the school grounds. The death toll is feared to rise as official sources continue to provide varying figures on casualties.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Response
Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the college, recounted to BBC Bangla that he witnessed the plane “directly” hit the building. Another teacher, Masud Tarik, described hearing an explosion and seeing “fire and smoke” when he turned back. “There were many guardians and kids here,” he told Reuters. A student also confirmed witnessing the crash “right in front of my eyes.”
The Bangladesh Air Force released a statement saying, “Bangladesh Air Force’s F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed in Uttara. The aircraft took off at 13:06 (0706 GMT).” In response, the country’s fire service deployed nine units and six ambulances to the site, as shared on their social media platforms.
Government and Military Reaction
Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He assured that “necessary measures” would be taken to investigate the cause of the crash and promised “all kinds of assistance” to those affected. “This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities, including the hospitals concerned, to deal with the situation with utmost importance,” he stated in a post on X.
Historical Context and Safety Concerns
This tragic event is not the first of its kind in Bangladesh, a country that has seen several aviation accidents over the years. The safety of military training flights has been a topic of concern, with past incidents prompting calls for improved safety protocols and equipment upgrades. The F-7 BGI, a Chinese-built aircraft, is widely used for training purposes but has faced scrutiny due to its age and maintenance challenges.
According to aviation experts, the F-7 series, while reliable, requires rigorous maintenance schedules to ensure operational safety. The Bangladesh Air Force has been working to modernize its fleet, but budget constraints and logistical challenges often impede swift progress.
Implications and Future Steps
The crash has reignited discussions on aviation safety and the need for comprehensive training and maintenance programs. Experts suggest that a thorough investigation into the incident could provide insights into potential systemic issues within the military’s aviation operations.
As the nation mourns, the focus will likely shift towards understanding the root causes of the crash and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies. The government, along with international aviation bodies, may collaborate to enhance safety standards and training protocols.
The coming days will be crucial as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the crash and provide support to the victims’ families. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aviation and the continuous need for vigilance and improvement in safety practices.
