Dhaka, Bangladesh: A devastating Bangladesh air crash shook the nation today as a Bangladesh Air Force training jet plummeted into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka’s busy Uttara area. The tragic accident, involving a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet, occurred at around 07:06 GMT and has resulted in a heavy loss of life and widespread injuries, prompting national shock and swift government action.
Details of the Crash
- Aircraft Model: F-7 BGI (Chengdu J-7 variant), a key trainer in the Bangladesh Air Force arsenal.
- Pilot: Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, on his first solo flight.
- Flight Origin: BAF Base Bir Uttom A. K. Khandker.
- Malfunction: Shortly after takeoff, technical failure led to a loss of control and stall.
- Crash Site: The jet impacted the main entrance and Haider Ali Building within Milestone School and College, particularly in sections hosting young students.
Casualty Report
- Fatalities: At least 19 confirmed deaths, including the pilot and a young student.
- Injuries: Over 160 people suffered injuries, many with serious burns. A large proportion were school children attending classes at the time.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Emergency services and fire brigades raced to the scene within minutes. Rescue teams, aided by air force helicopters and ambulances, worked tirelessly to extinguish flames and assist survivors. The injured were immediately rushed to specialty hospitals, including the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, with several in critical condition.
Government Reaction and Investigation
- The government, led by interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, extended condolences and declared a day of national mourning.
- Immediate steps were taken to support affected families and ensure comprehensive medical care for the wounded.
- A special investigation committee was established to uncover the exact cause of this Bangladesh air crash, with the Prime Minister promising transparency and strict safety measures moving forward.
Insights and Broader Implications
This is one of the deadliest urban air crashes in Bangladesh’s recent history. The accident has reignited debate about the continued use of older military aircraft like the F-7 BGI, especially on training missions over densely populated zones. Calls for modernizing the Air Force fleet and re-evaluating flight paths over civilian areas are growing stronger.
