At least 19 people were killed after a Bangladesh fighter jet crash in Dhaka on Monday. The aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI training jet from the Bangladesh Air Force, struck the Milestone School and College in Uttara, a northern suburb of the capital.
The crash happened shortly after takeoff at 1:06 p.m. local time. The jet exploded upon impact, setting off a massive fire and sending thick smoke into the air. Footage from the scene shows emergency crews battling flames and searching through debris.
More than 100 people were injured, many of them students and teachers. Over 50 were rushed to hospitals with severe burns, according to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
The pilot was also killed in the crash, confirmed by military officials. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying. A teacher said he saw the plane crash into the building directly. Another heard a loud explosion and saw only smoke and fire when he turned around. Students and parents were also present on campus at the time.
The school serves children aged four to 18. Emergency responders, including nine fire units and six ambulances, were quickly deployed. Images from the area show charred rubble, injured victims, and firefighters carrying out bodies.
Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He assured that authorities would provide full support to the victims and their families. He also announced that a full investigation will be launched to determine what went wrong.
A national day of mourning has been declared for Tuesday. Flags will fly at half-mast across the country as the nation comes to terms with the loss.
This tragic Bangladesh fighter jet crash in Dhaka has left the country in shock and mourning, raising fresh questions about aviation safety and military operations near civilian areas.
For full details on the arrests and ongoing investigation, read the complete report here.