At least 19 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into Milestone College in Uttara, a northern suburb of Dhaka, on Monday, according to a Reuters report.
The jet, which took off at 13:06 local time, crashed into the college campus, triggering a large fire and widespread panic. The military’s public relations department confirmed the incident in an official statement.
Footage from the scene showed the mangled remains of the aircraft embedded in the side of a building, with thick smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, while distraught onlookers, including students and staff, were seen crying and comforting one another.
“A third-grade student was brought in dead, and three others—aged 12, 14, and 40—have been admitted for treatment,” said Dr Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion. “I was at the gate picking up my children when I heard a loud explosion. When I turned around, there was only fire and smoke,” said Masud Tarik, a teacher at the school.
Interim prime minister Muhammad Yunus expressed his condolences and pledged a thorough investigation. “The loss suffered by the Air Force, students, parents, teachers, staff, and others is irreparable. All necessary assistance will be provided,” he said.
This tragedy comes just weeks after an Air India aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, claiming 260 lives in what has been called the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade.
Also Read: Bangladesh job quota protest: 6 killed, schools and colleges shut
Posted in International, News
