A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday, killing at least 19 people. The crash caused a huge fire and left dozens injured. More than 50 people, including children, suffered burns and were rushed to hospitals. The plane, an F-7 BGI, took off at 1:06 PM and crashed shortly after. Videos showed smoke rising as people screamed and ran for safety.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and soldiers, reached the site quickly. They sprayed water on the burning wreckage. The crash damaged parts of the school building, leaving a large hole and broken iron grills. According to hospital officials, some of the injured were in critical condition. A third-grade student died on the spot, while others aged 12 to 40 were admitted with burns.
As rescue efforts continued, three platoons of the Bangladesh Border Guard were deployed to support the operation. Authorities also set up an emergency hotline to help families. In response to the tragedy, the government declared a one-day mourning period. Flags will fly at half-mast at all government offices and schools across the country. Special prayers will also be held in mosques, temples, and churches.
Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus promised full support for victims and their families. He called the loss “irreparable” and said a full investigation would be launched. He also said the government would take all steps to find the cause of the crash. Families of students, teachers, and school staff gathered outside the school in shock and grief.
This crash comes just weeks after another deadly aviation accident in India, where over 250 people died. The back-to-back tragedies have raised fresh concerns over air safety in South Asia. While investigators begin their work, the nation mourns those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident.