Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into School in Dhaka, Killing at Least 25
Air force training aircraft crashes into Milestone School and College in capital city, resulting in numerous casualties.
DHAKA, Bangladesh: A Bangladesh air force training aircraft crashed into a school in the nation's capital on Monday afternoon, killing the pilot and at least 24 other people, with most of the deceased being students.
The crash triggered a fire that left the two-story building in Dhaka smoldering.
Rescue operations led to the evacuation of 171 individuals, predominantly students and many suffering from burns, using various means such as helicopters, ambulances, motorized rickshaws, and by firefighters and parents.
Initially reported were 20 deaths; however, five more succumbed to their injuries overnight, leaving approximately two dozen in critical condition.
The F-7 BGI training jet, of Chinese origin, encountered a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff at 1:06 p.m., according to the military statement.
The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft towards less populated areas before it ultimately crashed into Milestone School and College.
Located in Dhaka's Uttara neighborhood, this educational institution caters to approximately 2,000 students across various grades.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as chaotic.
Students reported feeling the school buildings tremble followed by a loud explosion that prompted a frantic search for safety.
Numerous relatives arrived at the crash site, searching desperately for their loved ones amidst a scene filled with panic and distress.
The government declared a day of mourning on Tuesday, with flags to be flown at half-staff across the nation.
The air force base from which the aircraft took off is situated approximately 11 kilometers from Milestone School.
Authorities confirmed that Flight Lt. Mohammed Toukir Islam made every effort to divert the plane away from densely populated areas towards a more remote location before the crash occurred.
An investigation has been initiated into the cause of this accident, marking it as one of the deadliest plane crashes in Dhaka's recent history.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from other nations; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sadness, offering condolences to the affected families and pledging assistance.
The interim leader of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, also pledged a thorough investigation into the crash while expressing deep sorrow over what has been described as a moment of profound national grief.
The crash triggered a fire that left the two-story building in Dhaka smoldering.
Rescue operations led to the evacuation of 171 individuals, predominantly students and many suffering from burns, using various means such as helicopters, ambulances, motorized rickshaws, and by firefighters and parents.
Initially reported were 20 deaths; however, five more succumbed to their injuries overnight, leaving approximately two dozen in critical condition.
The F-7 BGI training jet, of Chinese origin, encountered a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff at 1:06 p.m., according to the military statement.
The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft towards less populated areas before it ultimately crashed into Milestone School and College.
Located in Dhaka's Uttara neighborhood, this educational institution caters to approximately 2,000 students across various grades.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as chaotic.
Students reported feeling the school buildings tremble followed by a loud explosion that prompted a frantic search for safety.
Numerous relatives arrived at the crash site, searching desperately for their loved ones amidst a scene filled with panic and distress.
The government declared a day of mourning on Tuesday, with flags to be flown at half-staff across the nation.
The air force base from which the aircraft took off is situated approximately 11 kilometers from Milestone School.
Authorities confirmed that Flight Lt. Mohammed Toukir Islam made every effort to divert the plane away from densely populated areas towards a more remote location before the crash occurred.
An investigation has been initiated into the cause of this accident, marking it as one of the deadliest plane crashes in Dhaka's recent history.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from other nations; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sadness, offering condolences to the affected families and pledging assistance.
The interim leader of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, also pledged a thorough investigation into the crash while expressing deep sorrow over what has been described as a moment of profound national grief.
