At least 19 dead after air force jet crashes into school

A horrific air force jet crash in Dhaka has left at least 19 dead and many more injured.

Tragedy strikes Dhaka as air force jet crashes into school

At least 19 people died and 164 were injured when a Bangladeshi air force jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in the Dhaka suburb of Uttara. The F-7 jet reportedly experienced a mechanical fault shortly after taking off for a training exercise. Eyewitness accounts describe the moment of the crash, with one teacher stating he saw the plane hit the building. Witnesses heard explosions and saw smoke billowing from the site. Emergency services have been deployed, with over 50 injured individuals, including children, receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The pilot is among the deceased. In response, the interim government has promised to investigate the cause and provide support to the victims' families. A day of mourning is planned, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast.

This tragic incident raises serious concerns about aviation safety and oversight in Bangladesh. Accidents involving military aircraft are not uncommon, but the crash into a populated area underscores the need for stringent protocols during training exercises. The emotional impact on families and the community is profound, as children and guardians were present at the time of the incident. With 164 reported injuries, the scale of this tragedy extends beyond the fatalities, emphasizing the fragility of safety in crowded urban settings. This situation calls for a thorough investigation and could spark broader discussions on aviation regulation in the country.

Highlights

The impact of this tragedy will reverberate throughout the community and beyond for a long time.