Bangladesh Fighter Jet Crashes into Dhaka School, Killing 19

In a devastating incident that has shocked the nation, Bangladesh Fighter Jet Crashes into Dhaka School, Killing 19. A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in the capital’s Uttara neighborhood, killing at least 19 people, including students, teachers, and the pilot. More than 100 others, many of them children, were injured some critically in what has become one of the worst aviation disasters in recent Bangladeshi history.

Bangladesh Fighter Jet Crashes into Dhaka School, Killing 19

Crash During Training Flight Sparks National Grief

The ill-fated aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI a Chinese-made fighter jet took off for a routine training flight from a nearby airbase at approximately 1:06 PM local time.

Just minutes later, it crashed into the school campus at around 1:15 PM, igniting a massive fire and sending plumes of smoke into the sky.

Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion, followed by flames engulfing part of the school structure.

“The jet crashed right in front of my eyes, just 10 feet ahead of me,” said Fahim Hossain, a student who narrowly escaped. “It hit the ground floor of a two-storey building where primary students were attending class.”

Victims Include Children, Teachers, and Pilot

According to official sources, the victims include 16 students many under the age of 14 two teachers, and Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam, the pilot of the aircraft.

The injured have been rushed to several hospitals including the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and CMH (Combined Military Hospital), where at least eight are reported to be in critical condition.

“A third-grade student was brought in dead, and three others aged 12, 14, and 40 were admitted with serious burns,” said Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

Eyewitness Accounts: ‘Screams, Fire, Chaos’

Masud Tarik, a teacher at the school, recalled the horrifying moment: “I was picking up my kids and had just reached the gate. Suddenly I heard an explosion. When I turned around, all I saw was fire and smoke.”

Rezaul Islam, another teacher, told BBC Bangla that the jet “directly hit” the building. First-year HSC student Ariful Islam, watching from a nearby building, described seeing the jet slam into the school just before flames erupted.

Social media videos captured panicked students fleeing the burning building, people screaming, and emergency responders trying desperately to extinguish the flames and rescue survivors from the rubble.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Rescue Operation

Emergency services rushed to the site within minutes. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, spraying water on the wreckage as thick smoke billowed from the crash site.

Several ambulances were seen transporting the injured to medical facilities, while anxious parents and guardians waited for news of their children.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society called for urgent blood donations and financial assistance for the victims.

Meanwhile, hospitals released emergency contact numbers to assist families searching for missing loved ones.

Emergency Contact Numbers Released:

• Military Rescue Brigade – 0176 9024202
• CMH Burn Unit – 0176 9016019
• CMH Emergency – 0176 9013311
• Milestone School Admin Officer – 0181 4774132
• Vice Principal – 0177 1111766
• National Helpline – 999

Pilot Tried to Divert Jet, Officials Say

In a statement released on Facebook, the Bangladesh Armed Forces confirmed that the crash was the result of a mechanical fault that occurred shortly after takeoff.

The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam, attempted to steer the aircraft away from the populated area but ultimately failed.

“The pilot tried to maneuver the jet toward an empty area, but the engine failed completely,” a senior official stated. “His attempt saved countless lives, but the tragedy could not be averted.”

National Mourning Declared

Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus expressed “deep grief and sorrow” over the incident, calling it a “moment of profound pain for the nation.”

In a public address, Yunus announced a national day of mourning for Tuesday, during which flags will be flown at half-mast across Bangladesh.

“The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College is irreparable,” he said. “Necessary measures will be taken to investigate the cause of the crash and ensure that all kinds of assistance are provided to the victims.”

Investigation Underway

An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash. A five-member inquiry committee has been formed to inspect mechanical logs, flight data, and eyewitness statements.

The Bangladesh Air Force has promised transparency and full accountability.

This tragic incident comes barely a month after an Air India flight crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad, India, killing 241 on board and 19 on the ground.

The back-to-back tragedies have renewed calls for stricter air safety protocols in the region.

Milestone School and College: A Place of Learning Turns into Scene of Horror

Milestone School and College, located in Dhaka’s Uttara area, caters to over 2,000 students, ranging from elementary to Class XII.

Known for its academic excellence, the school was conducting regular classes and tests when the accident occurred.

Rafiqa Taha, a student who was not present at the time, said in a phone interview, “I was terrified watching videos on TV. My God! It’s my school.”

Many students who survived were seen in tears, traumatized, and trying to locate missing classmates.

Families Devastated, Nation United in Grief

Outside the school gates, crowds of worried parents gathered, many in tears. “I spoke to my son over the phone,” one parent said, “but I still haven’t found him here.”

Psychological support and trauma counseling have been arranged for survivors and families. Volunteers and local organizations have set up help desks and support tents around the crash site.

Public Reaction: Shock, Anger, and Solidarity

Social media erupted with sorrow and outrage. Hashtags like #DhakaJetCrash and #MilestoneTragedy trended on Bangladeshi Twitter (now X) for hours, with thousands posting messages of solidarity, prayers, and demands for improved air safety near civilian zones.

“This should never have happened,” wrote one user. “Schools should be safe spaces, not in the flight path of military jets.”

Conclusion: A Tragedy That Demands Answers

As the rescue and recovery operations continue into the night, the nation is left mourning the tragic loss of young lives. The Dhaka school jet crash has raised urgent questions about the safety of military flight paths over densely populated civilian areas and the maintenance of aging aircraft. For now, Bangladesh grieves a nation united in sorrow, seeking justice, safety reforms, and healing for all those affected.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the Dhaka school jet crash, please contact the emergency numbers listed above or reach out to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society for support.

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