At least 27 people, including 25 schoolchildren, a teacher, and the pilot, have been confirmed dead following the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet into a school compound in Dhaka on Monday.
The F-7 BGI aircraft, which took off from the Kurmitola Air Force Base for a routine training flight, reportedly suffered mechanical failure midair and crashed into the Milestone School and College in the densely populated Uttara area of the capital around 1:00 p.m. local time.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation as the aircraft slammed into the school during class hours, triggering a massive fire and chaos among staff and students. Rescue teams, including fire service officials, military personnel, and emergency responders, were immediately deployed to the scene.
In addition to the fatalities, over 80 students sustained varying degrees of injuries, with many currently receiving treatment at hospitals across Dhaka. Authorities say several victims are in critical condition.
The government has declared Tuesday, July 22, a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and prayer services held for the deceased.
The pilot, identified as Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, was praised for his attempt to divert the aircraft away from residential buildings, a move military officials say helped prevent even greater casualties.
A high-level investigation committee has been set up by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the cause of the accident, while questions are being raised about the safety and reliability of the Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jets, which have been involved in previous crashes.
In separate statements, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged full support for the families of the victims and the injured.
The crash is one of the deadliest peacetime aviation disasters in Bangladesh’s history and has sparked public outcry over the use of military aircraft near schools and civilian areas.
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