Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training jet crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara neighborhood on Monday afternoon. The jet went down around 1:06 pm, according to military officials, after experiencing a technical malfunction during a solo training flight. Witnesses described a sudden explosion and plumes of smoke rising across the campus as terrified students fled.
High Death Toll and Critical Injuries
The crash claimed the lives of the jet’s pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam, along with at least 26 others, most of them students. Local authorities report that 25 children were killed, with some succumbing overnight due to severe burn injuries. Authorities also say 171 people primarily students suffered various kinds of wounds, with about 78 critically injured and receiving treatment in multiple hospitals.
Medical teams from multiple hospitals across Dhaka were mobilized to treat the injured. At least 78 people remain in critical condition, suffering from burns, fractures, and head injuries. The condition of some of the survivors is so serious that DNA testing is being used to identify the victims.
Chaotic Rescue Operation and Distressed Families
As chaos unfolded, relatives and rescuers rushed to the scene. Smoke billowed above the campus as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire while onlookers searched through smoke and debris. At local hospitals, crowds of parents anxiously waited for information, and blood donation centers opened as many victims required urgent care. Some charred bodies were unidentifiable, prompting authorities to begin DNA testing.
Survivors recalled smoke filling the hallways and windows shattering due to the blast. Some students were rescued from beneath debris, while others suffered burns from flying metal and fire. One 9-year-old boy, rescued from the second floor, was later seen crying in a hospital bed, asking for his classmates.
Investigation Underway on the Field
The Bangladesh military has launched an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. A preliminary report indicates a mechanical fault may have occurred in the engine, leading to the jet losing power. Technical teams are examining the wreckage for more clues.
The F-7 BGI jets, which are Chinese-built and used for pilot training in Bangladesh, have come under scrutiny before for their aging parts and limited safety upgrades. Experts have already called for reviews of military flight paths near populated areas.
