Tragedy in Dhaka: 20 Dead After Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into School

20 Killed, 170 Injured as Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School.

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school building in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring 171 others. The Chinese-origin F-7 BGI aircraft plunged into the Milestone School and College while classes were in progress, triggering widespread panic and a large-scale rescue operation.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as students, some with burn injuries, fled the premises. Black smoke and flames rose from the site as rescue teams rushed to save those trapped in the rubble. Many victims, including children, were taken to nearby hospitals in autorickshaws and private vehicles due to ambulance shortages.

The Bangladesh military confirmed the aircraft had taken off at 1:06 pm and was on a routine training sortie when it lost control. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Taukir Islam, attempted to divert the jet away from populated areas but crashed into the three-storey school building.

Dozens of injured were admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, with 48 reported to be in critical condition. Some were also taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. A teacher said several students were trapped when the jet struck the school’s front wing.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called the tragedy “irreparable” and declared a national day of mourning. Flags will fly at half-mast on Tuesday, and the government pledged full medical and financial support for the victims. Yunus’s advisor Asif Nazrul said international doctors may be brought in if needed.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed grief over the incident and urged local Awami League workers and residents to assist in relief efforts, including blood donations and rehabilitation of the injured.

This marks the second reported crash of a Chinese-made F-7 aircraft in the region in recent weeks, following a fatal incident involving Myanmar’s Air Force in June.

Authorities have launched a high-level probe into the crash. An emergency helpline (01949043697) has been set up for families seeking information.