At least 20 people lost their lives and 171 were injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school building in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon. The jet, a China-manufactured F-7 BGI, went down while students were attending classes at Milestone School and College, triggering panic and widespread devastation.

Dramatic visuals from the crash site showed smoke and fire engulfing parts of the school building, with emergency responders rushing to evacuate and treat the wounded. Rescue teams transported the injured to several hospitals using ambulances, rickshaws, and even private vehicles, as the situation turned chaotic.

The aircraft had taken off at 1:06 PM local time and came down shortly after, according to a statement from the Bangladesh military’s public relations wing. The plane reportedly struck the side of a three-storey building, leaving a gaping hole and damaging the structure’s metal framework.

Among those confirmed dead was a third-grade student. Doctors at Dhaka Medical College’s burn unit said children aged 12 and 14 were among those critically injured. Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman, a senior health official, confirmed that at least 48 victims were in serious condition.

Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene, with bloodied students fleeing in fear. In the absence of immediate medical transport, military personnel were seen physically carrying injured children to safety.

According to a statement by Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft’s pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Taukir Islam, attempted to divert the jet away from densely populated areas but could not avoid the crash. The Air Force expressed deep sorrow and said it was extending full medical and logistical support to the victims and their families.

A high-level inquiry has been launched to determine what led to the crash. Initial rescue efforts were made by the school’s staff before being joined by the military and fire brigade.

Over 30 burn victims were taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, while others were admitted to nearby medical centers.

National Mourning Declared

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation, saying the tragedy was a moment of profound grief. He pledged full assistance to those affected and promised a thorough investigation into the incident. Yunus’s aide, Asif Nazrul, added that arrangements were being made to bring in international medical specialists if required.

A national day of mourning has been declared, with flags flying at half-mast on Tuesday. An emergency helpline has also been set up at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (01949043697) for families seeking information and assistance.

Political Leaders React

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences and called for collective efforts to aid the victims. She appealed to members of the Awami League and local residents to assist with rescue and recovery operations and to support medical efforts through blood donations and logistical help.

This is the second crash involving a Chinese-made F-7 aircraft in recent weeks. A similar incident in Myanmar’s Sagaing region in June resulted in the death of a pilot, raising questions about the reliability of such military hardware.

As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of the devastating crash, the focus now shifts to supporting victims and uncovering the cause behind this tragic accident.