Tragedy Strikes: Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into School, Leaving 25 Dead

DHAKA, Bangladesh — A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, the capital, on Monday afternoon, killing the pilot and 24 others, mostly students, according to military officials.

The aircraft erupted into flames upon impact, leaving 171 people injured, most of them students. Rescue teams evacuated the victims from the smoldering two-story building—many of whom suffered severe burns—using helicopters, ambulances, motorized rickshaws, as well as manual assistance from firefighters and parents.

Initial reports after the crash indicated 20 fatalities, with five additional victims succumbing to their injuries overnight. Late on Monday, medical personnel stated that nearly two dozen of the injured remained in critical condition.

A military statement said that the Chinese-made F-7 BGI trainer encountered a “technical malfunction” shortly after takeoff at 1306 local time. The pilot tried to steer the aircraft toward a less densely populated area before it hit the Milestone School and College campus.

Many family members spent the night in a specialized burn unit, anxiously awaiting updates about their loved ones.

Mohammed Abdur Rahim, who was searching for his cousin Afia Akter at a hospital around midnight, told The Associated Press, “We’ve been unable to locate my cousin. She’s missing. Hospital staff have directed us to check other medical facilities.”

Eyewitnesses among the students described violent tremors shaking the school buildings, followed by a massive explosion that forced them to flee for safety. The crash site soon descended into chaos as frantic relatives scoured the area for family members, while anguished cries echoed from a nearby hospital.

The Milestone School is located in Dhaka’s Uttara district, approximately 11 kilometers from A.K. Khandaker Air Force Base. It sits in a densely populated neighborhood near public transportation, commercial centers, and residential buildings.

According to officials, Flight Lt. Mohammed Toukir Islam, the pilot, “made every effort to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas toward a more sparsely inhabited location.” An investigation into the cause of the accident will be conducted.

This incident is the deadliest aviation disaster in Dhaka in recent history. A previous crash involving an F-7 trainer occurred outside Dhaka in 2008, in which the pilot, who had ejected after detecting a technical issue, lost his life.

The Bangladeshi government has declared Tuesday a national day of mourning, with flags to be flown at half-staff across the country.

Mosammat Sagorika, who scored four goals in Bangladesh’s under-20 women’s South Asian soccer championship match victory over Nepal on Monday, dedicated the win to the victims of the jet crash.

“Many lives have been lost, and numerous others are injured. We’re all deeply saddened,” the 17-year-old Sagorika told reporters.

The crash site on Monday afternoon was a scene of desperation. One father was seen racing by, cradling his daughter in his arms, while a distraught mother, after locating her younger child, frantically searched for her older one.

Another father described his anguish as he awaited news about his daughter’s condition.

“The plane crashed into the building where my daughter was,” said Jewel, who is known by a single name. “My wife called, but I was praying and couldn’t answer. When I arrived, I saw a massive fire and a child’s body.” Fortunately, his daughter was safe, though he witnessed many other children with severe burns.

Students also rushed to the scene. “We pushed through the crowd and past soldiers to reach the crash site at our school,” said Estiak Elahi Khan, an 11th grader. “What I saw was indescribable… horrific.” Medical staff at Uttara Adhunik Hospital reported that over 60 students, many aged between 12 and 16, were transferred to a specialized burn treatment facility.

As Monday evening approached, rescue teams continued to rummage through the wreckage in search of bodies. Heavy equipment was brought in to clear the debris.

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, promised a thorough investigation and expressed profound sorrow over the “heartbreaking tragedy,” describing it as “a moment of deep national grief.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his shock and sadness, stating, “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families.” In a social media post, Modi added, “India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is prepared to offer any necessary support and assistance.” Rafiqa Taha, a student who was not present during the incident, explained by phone that the school, with an enrollment of about 2,000, serves students from elementary through high school.

“Watching the footage on TV was terrifying,” the 16-year-old said. “My God! That’s my school.”