Dhaka: In one of the deadliest air disasters in Bangladesh’s recent history, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into the premises of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon, killing at least 27 people and leaving over 170 injured. The crash, which occurred shortly after the jet took off from the nearby Kurmitola Air Base, has plunged the nation into grief and raised serious questions about air safety, emergency preparedness, and the risks of military aircraft operating in densely populated areas.
Eyewitnesses recount the horror that unfolded just after 1:06 PM local time. The Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter, used primarily for training missions, reportedly caught fire midair due to mechanical failure. Despite the pilot's desperate attempt to steer the aircraft away from more crowded zones, the jet veered sharply and slammed into the two-story school building, igniting an inferno that left victims charred beyond recognition.
Students, teachers, and administrative staff were trapped inside as flames engulfed several classrooms. Firefighters and rescue personnel worked frantically to evacuate the injured and recover bodies from the debris. The crash site, strewn with mangled metal, books, and scorched school supplies, was likened to a war zone by first responders.
The government of Bangladesh declared a national day of mourning in response to the incident. Flags were lowered to half-mast across government buildings, and prayer vigils were held throughout the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, calling it “a heartbreaking catastrophe that has struck at the heart of our future our children.”
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and other political leaders joined in expressing condolences and called for a swift investigation. Leaders from neighboring countries, including India, Pakistan, and China, sent messages of solidarity, while international organizations offered support for relief and recovery efforts.
Hospitals across Dhaka, particularly the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, were overwhelmed by the sudden influx of patients many with critical injuries. Emergency blood donation campaigns were launched, and doctors from multiple departments were called in to treat the wounded. As of Tuesday morning, over 30 individuals remain in intensive care.
The military, civil defense, and disaster response teams cordoned off the crash site, continuing search operations for possible victims trapped under the rubble. Drones and sniffer dogs were deployed to assist in the operation, while forensic experts began the difficult task of identifying the deceased, some of whom were burnt beyond recognition and will require DNA testing for confirmation.
The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the crash and stated that the pilot, who died in the incident, had attempted a final maneuver to minimize casualties. An official court of inquiry has been established to investigate the crash, focusing on the aircraft’s maintenance records, flight history, and the circumstances leading to the fire mid-flight.
This incident raises renewed concerns about the use of aging aircraft models like the F-7 in active training missions. Aviation experts and civil society leaders have demanded a reassessment of flight paths over populated areas, especially when military jets are involved.
In the midst of tragedy, stories of courage and selflessness have begun to emerge. According to school officials, some teachers shielded students with their own bodies to protect them from falling debris and flames. Emergency workers described how injured students clung to life, some helping their friends out of the rubble despite their own wounds.
Family members waited through the night outside hospitals and the school premises, desperate for news of their loved ones. Many were seen weeping beside the school gates, while others searched hospitals with photographs of missing children.
What was meant to be a routine Monday afternoon turned into a dark day for Bangladesh. The impact of this tragedy will be felt not only in the homes of the victims but across a nation grappling with the emotional toll of losing so many young lives in a place that should have been a haven for learning.
As investigations continue and the country begins to mourn and heal, the name Milestone School once known for academic excellence will now be etched in history as the site of one of Bangladesh’s most heartrending disasters.