Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School, Killing 27 Including Students and Pilot

New Delhi (India) July 22: According to the military, a "technical malfunction" caused the F-7 Air Force jet to crash. It struck Milestone School and College in the Uttara area of Dhaka on Monday, July 21. It killed at least 27 people and injured 171.

Mohd Yunus Statement

Chief Advisor of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus said, “I express my deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident of casualties caused by the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BJI training aircraft at the Milestone School and College campus in the Diabari area of the capital today. The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others affected by this accident, is irreparable. This is a moment of profound pain for the nation” to express his condolences.

Jet hits school in Uttara

The aircraft experienced a mechanical issue shortly after taking off from the Bangladesh Air Force Base in Kurmitola. The plane took off at 1:06 PM local time. The plane hit a two-story school building in the Uttara area. It started a fire. 

The parents were desperately looking for their missing children. Rescue teams, emergency and military officials rushed to recover bodies. They took survivors to hospitals.

Pilot’s first solo flight

After being taken to the hospital, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar was declared dead. He was flying his first solo fighter flight.

According to the military, the pilot made an effort to avoid areas with a high population density, but the jet eventually hit with a two-story structure. A high-level Air Force committee has been established to look into the reason of the incident after it was discovered that the aircraft experienced a "technical malfunction."

Nation declares mourning

The Bangladeshi government is declaring a one-day state of mourning after the deadly disaster. Every government, semi-government, autonomous and educational institution in the country will fly the national flag at half-mast.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offers his condolences. He said, “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.” 

Aadrika Tayal