Dhaka: A tragic incident unfolded in Dhaka as a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school, resulting in the death of 20 people, most of whom were children, officials reported. The crash, which occurred on the premises of Milestone School and College, has left the nation in mourning as many others with severe burn injuries are being treated in hospitals.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Chinese-made F-7BGI fighter jet crashed shortly after taking off from Dhaka's Kurmitola airbase. The pilot noticed a technical malfunction minutes into the flight and attempted to navigate towards a less populated area. Tragically, the jet crashed into the two-storey school building, killing the pilot and 19 others, while injuring 171 people.
Sayedur Rahman, an assistant to interim government head Muhammad Yunus, stated that more than 100 of the injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals, including the Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka. In response to the tragedy, the government has declared a day of national mourning to honor the victims. Yunus expressed his condolences on social media, emphasizing the nation's profound grief and the need to investigate the accident's cause.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with nine fire engines dispatched to extinguish the blaze at the crash site, according to Khaleda Khatun from the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with one parent recounting how he saw the aircraft plummet before it erupted into flames.
The crash has prompted an outpouring of condolences from international leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sadness, while Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar extended sympathies to the victims' families. The EU and Japanese embassy in Dhaka also issued statements of solidarity and support for Bangladesh during this challenging time.
