Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School, 19 Dead, 100+ Injured
A catastrophic accident occurred on Monday afternoon in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in the Uttara area. The incident, which took place during school hours, resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries.
At least 16 people are confirmed dead, with over 100 injured, according to initial reports. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene. A loud explosion was followed by a large fireball and thick plumes of smoke billowing from the school grounds. Panic ensued as students, teachers, and staff scrambled for safety.
Emergency services, including the fire department and military personnel, responded promptly and initiated rescue operations. The Bangladesh Army confirmed that the aircraft was an F-7 BGI fighter jet engaged in a routine training exercise at the time of the crash. However, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Fire Department spokesperson Lima Khan confirmed casualties but did not initially specify the identities of the victims. The incident has raised serious questions about air safety protocols, particularly concerning military aircraft training exercises over populated civilian areas.
The high casualty count among students underscores the vulnerability of schools and other civilian institutions to such accidents. The school grounds have been sealed off, and investigators are working to ascertain the cause of the crash and assess the extent of the damage to the school infrastructure.