Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School: 19 Dead, Over 100 Injured
A Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into a Dhaka school, killing 19 including 16 students. Over 100 injured; rescue and investigation efforts underway.
image for illustrative purpose
A tragic incident unfolded in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday as a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College, killing at least 19 people, including 16 students, two teachers, and the pilot.
What Happened?
The aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI — a modernized version of the Chinese J-7 fighter — took off for a routine training flight at 1:06 PM but crashed shortly after. The impact occurred during school hours, directly hitting a section of the campus where classes and exams were underway.
Television and social media footage showed the school building engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing and panicked students fleeing the scene. One particularly distressing video showed the jet engine buried in rubble, and another captured bystanders helping injured victims escape the wreckage.
Victims and Injuries
The deceased include Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam, 16 schoolchildren, and two faculty members. Over 100 people have been injured—many with severe burns. Medical authorities confirmed that at least eight of the injured are in critical condition. Doctors at Dhaka’s National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery warned the casualty figures may rise.
National Response
Bangladesh's interim leader Mohammed Yunus expressed "deep grief and sorrow," calling the crash an "irreparable loss" for the Air Force, students, teachers, and families. His office also shared a list of emergency contact numbers for families of missing students:
- Military Rescue Brigade: 0176 9024202
- CMH Burn Unit: 0176 9016019
- CMH Emergency: 0176 9013311
- Milestone School Admin Officer: 0181 4774132
- Vice Principal: 0177 1111766
- 999 (Emergency Helpline): Connects to national police and medical services
Eyewitness Reactions
Rafiqa Taha, a 16-year-old student of the school who was not present during the crash, said, “I was terrified watching the videos on TV. My God! It’s my school.”
The Milestone School and College has approximately 2,000 students enrolled from elementary through Class XII.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have begun an investigation into the crash. The Bangladesh Air Force and aviation safety officials are working to determine the cause of the malfunction. Meanwhile, emergency services continue rescue and recovery efforts at the crash site.
Disclaimer: Graphic footage from the incident is circulating online. Viewer discretion is advised.
