The tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft into the Milestone School and College building in Dhaka's Uttara area on Monday has resulted in a national catastrophe. At least 19 people were killed, and around 70 others were injured, with 48 reported to be in critical condition. The incident occurred during school hours, amplifying the scale of devastation as children were caught in the chaos.
Television visuals and eyewitness accounts revealed harrowing scenes—plumes of smoke, students fleeing with burn injuries, and emergency responders scrambling amid debris. The aircraft, which took off at 1:06 PM local time, crashed into the front of the three-storey school building, creating a gaping hole and trapping several students inside.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts:
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Initial rescue was carried out by teachers and school staff, followed by Bangladesh Army and fire service personnel.
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With ambulances delayed, army members reportedly carried injured students using rickshaw vans and private vehicles to hospitals.
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Over 30 victims were admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, while others were distributed across six different hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
Casualties:
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A third-grade student was declared dead on arrival.
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Victims include children as young as 12, as well as adults, including teachers and staff.
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Several remain in critical condition, and the government has not ruled out flying patients abroad for treatment if needed.
Government and National Reaction:
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Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called the incident an "irreparable loss" and promised a full investigation into the cause.
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Asif Nazrul, advisor to Yunus, assured that there will be no compromise on medical support, including the possibility of flying in international doctors.
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A national day of mourning has been declared, with flags flying at half-mast.
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An emergency hotline (01949043697) has been established for families and those seeking updates.
Political and Public Sentiment:
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Sheikh Hasina, ousted Prime Minister and Awami League chief, expressed deep sorrow and urged all citizens to support rescue and relief efforts.
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She also encouraged blood donations and assistance in transporting and treating the injured.
Aircraft and Safety Concerns:
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The F-7 BGI is a China-made training jet, and this is the second F-7 crash in South Asia in recent weeks—the last being in Myanmar, raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of such military equipment.
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The Bangladesh Air Force has not disclosed whether the pilot ejected or the potential cause of the crash.
This tragedy has stunned the nation, especially with innocent schoolchildren as primary victims. Investigations are expected to focus not just on mechanical failure or pilot error, but also on broader questions about training aircraft safety, urban airspace regulations, and emergency preparedness in densely populated areas.
This incident marks one of the deadliest peacetime aviation disasters involving a military aircraft in Bangladesh’s capital.
