A catastrophic plane crash rocked Dhaka, Bangladesh, when a Bangladesh Air Force training jet plummeted into Milestone School and College in the northern suburb of Uttara. The tragic incident claimed at least 19 lives, including the pilot, and left over 100 people injured, many suffering from severe burns. More than 50 children and adults were urgently transported to hospitals, and fears remain that the death toll could rise as rescue operations persist through the wreckage. The school, a hub for young learners, was struck during a bustling school day, turning a place of education into a scene of devastation.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments of the crash. Masud Tarik, a teacher, recounted hearing a deafening explosion followed by fire and smoke billowing across the campus. Another teacher, Rezaul Islam, witnessed the jet slam directly into the school building, causing immediate chaos. Students, ranging in age from 4 to 18, were attending classes or writing exams when the disaster unfolded. One student, shaken by the ordeal, recalled seeing the plane hit the building right in front of their eyes, leaving behind a trail of destruction and panic.
The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the aircraft was an F-7 BGI training jet, and the pilot lost their life in the crash. The country’s fire service swiftly mobilized nine units and six ambulances to the scene, where emergency workers are tirelessly sifting through charred rubble to locate survivors. Heart-wrenching images show firefighters carrying bodies from the collapsed structure, while onlookers from nearby buildings watched in horror. The scale of the tragedy has left the community in shock, grappling with the loss of lives and the destruction of a beloved institution.
Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, expressed profound grief over the tragedy and vowed a comprehensive investigation to uncover the cause of the crash. He declared a national day of mourning, ordering the national flag to be flown at half-mast across the country on Tuesday. Yunus directed all authorities to prioritize rescue efforts and support for the victims, wishing for a speedy recovery for those injured. As emergency teams continue their work, the nation unites in mourning, seeking answers and healing in the wake of this heartbreaking disaster.
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