Air Force Jet Crash in Dhaka School Claims Lives: A Community in Mourning

In a harrowing incident, a Bangladeshi air force training jet malfunctioned and crashed into a Dhaka school, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 170. Eyewitnesses recount the chaos as rescue efforts continue amidst a national day of mourning.

In a tragic incident, a Bangladeshi air force training jet, experiencing mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring over 170 others. Farhan Hasan, a Year 10 student who had just finished his exam, vividly described the harrowing scene, stating, “The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes." Eyewitness accounts confirm that the jet struck the two-storey educational institution, causing widespread devastation.

Video footage showed thick plumes of smoke and flames erupting from the crash site, while chaos ensued as parents were on campus to pick up their children at the end of the school day. Among those who lost their lives was Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, the pilot of the jet. Rescuers worked tirelessly to evacuate the injured, using over 30 ambulances to transport victims to local hospitals. Many of the injured, including children, suffered severe burns, prompting a desperate call for blood donations from the public.

Witnesses described the scene as surreal, with one teacher explaining he saw the plane impact directly, shortly followed by explosions and flames. Families gathered at nearby hospitals, waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones, many of whom were students aged between 9 and 14. The health ministry confirmed victims were being treated across seven hospitals in the capital.

In response to the tragedy, Bangladesh’s interim government announced a day of mourning to honor the victims, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast. Muhammad Yunus, the interim government leader, vowed to conduct thorough investigations into the incident and provide necessary assistance to those affected. The incident not only highlights the dangers associated with aviation but also raises questions about disaster preparedness in densely populated areas.

As the community mourns, many politicians from both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami visited hospitals, paying respects to the victims and offering support to bereaved families. This devastating event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the need for safeguards when it comes to aviation and public safety in urban environments.