Tragic Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash at Dhaka School Kills 19

A tragic incident unfolded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College, claiming at least 19 lives and injuring 164 others. The jet, which took off from Kurmitola Air Force Base for a routine training mission, suffered a mechanical failure shortly after departure, according to military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the pilot made a heroic effort to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas, but the jet ultimately collided with a two-story building on the school campus. The pilot was among those who lost their lives in this devastating crash. A committee has been established to probe the cause of this disaster, and the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, including students and staff.

Footage from the scene captured the grim aftermath, with a massive fire and thick smoke billowing into the sky as onlookers stood in shock. Firefighters battled to douse the flames amid the wreckage, which left a gaping hole in the building’s structure. Heart-wrenching images showed families and survivors in distress, grappling with the sudden tragedy. A teacher at the school, Masud Tarik, recounted the horrifying moment of the crash, describing an explosion followed by a scene of fire and chaos as he picked up his children.

Among the victims taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, a third-grade student was pronounced dead on arrival, while others, ranging in age from 12 to 40, were admitted for treatment. This incident comes on the heels of another catastrophic aviation disaster in neighboring India just over a month ago, amplifying concerns over air safety in the region.

As investigations begin, questions loom about the safety protocols for military training missions near urban centers. The loss of life, especially of young students, is a stark reminder of the unpredictable risks that can accompany even routine operations. Bangladesh grieves, and the world watches, hoping for answers and accountability.