A China-made F-7 training jet belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a school in Dhaka, leaving 16 dead and injuring 70 others. The government has declared a one-day state mourning on Tuesday
At least 19 people were killed and 70 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school building in Dhaka on Monday. The China-made F-7 aircraft struck the Milestone School and College in the city’s Uttara area while classes were in session.
Television footage showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the crash site, as emergency responders raced to rescue victims and transport the injured to six nearby hospitals
Firefighters worked to douse the flames and sprayed water on the wreckage of the aircraft, which had slammed into the side of the building, tearing through iron grills and leaving a large hole in the structure, according to a Reuters report. Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant Professor for Health to the Chief Advisor, stated that 48 people remain in critical condition.
Chaotic scenes unfolded as visuals captured students, some severely burned and bleeding, fleeing the area in panic.
“A third-grade student was brought in dead, while three others — aged 12, 14, and 40 — were admitted,” said bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, where many of the injured are being treated.
With ambulances in short supply, eyewitnesses reported that Army personnel carried injured students in their arms , transporting them to hospitals using rickshaw vans and other available vehicles.
The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the crash but did not disclose the cause or clarify whether the pilot had ejected before impact.
College teachers and staff led the initial rescue efforts before army personnel and fire department officials arrived at the scene. According to one teacher, the jet struck the front side of a three-storey school building, trapping several students inside.
The Daily Star reported that more than 30 victims were admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, while others were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment
Muhammad Yunus Reacts for (Bangladesh Air Force)
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, along with full support for those affected.
“The loss suffered by the Air Force, students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College is immeasurable. This is a moment of profound grief for the entire nation,” he said.
His advisor, Asif Nazrul, added that medical authorities had completed all necessary arrangements for treatment. He also stated that if required, doctors from abroad would be brought in to care for the injured.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragic Bangladesh Air Force crashed accident,” said Asif Nazrul. “The National Burn Unit has informed us that all necessary medical preparations are in place. If needed, arrangements will be made to send injured students abroad for treatment. There will be no compromise in providing medical rehabilitation.”
He added, “A national day of mourning has been declared for tomorrow. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and our Chief Adviser is being regularly updated. We are committed to standing by those injured and critically affected, and will ensure they receive the best possible care.”
This marks the second crash of a Chinese-made F-7 aircraft this year. Just last month, a Myanmar Air Force F-7 fighter jet went down in the Sagaing region, killing the pilot—raising renewed concerns about the reliability of Chinese-manufactured defense equipment.
Sheikh Hasina Condemns Tragedy.
Ousted Prime Minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the devastating incident and urged for swift, responsible action and full support for the victims.
“A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded today in Uttara, where Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the Milestone School building,” she said. “This accident has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the affected area and its surroundings.”
Sheikh Hasina called on local Awami League leaders, affiliated organizations, and residents to extend their full support in the ongoing rescue operations and help relocate affected individuals to safety.
She also urged the public to assist in ensuring proper medical care for the injured, including donating blood and facilitating access to treatment.
In response to the crisis, an emergency hotline (01949043697) has been activated at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery to provide assistance and information.
