A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training fighter aircraft crashed onto the premises of Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, killing one person and injuring at least 25 others on Monday afternoon.Eyewitnesses reported seeing the jet crash into the school compound, where classes were in session. The aircraft caught fire upon impact, sending smoke billowing into the air and triggering panic among students and staff. 

According to the international media reports, the fighter jet took off at 1:06 pm and came down within minutes during what was described as a routine training flight. Eight fire service units were immediately dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze, while ambulances and air force helicopters rushed to aid the injured. Two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) also joined the rescue efforts and helped maintain law and order at the chaotic site. 

Fire official Lima Khanam confirmed the death and reported multiple burn injuries among the victims. The pilot was identified as Flight Lieutenant Tauquir Islam Sagar, though his condition remains unconfirmed. Mizanur Rahman, an official at Milestone College, stated that many students were injured in the crash. The loss of one student has already been confirmed, heightening the gravity of the tragedy for the local education community. 

Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “The loss suffered by the Air Force, students, parents, and staff of Milestone School is irreparable. This is a moment of national mourning,” he said.  He directed all relevant hospitals and authorities to provide immediate and high-priority care to the injured and ensure support for grieving families. 

Muhammad Yunus further stated that the government would launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash and take necessary steps to prevent such accidents in the future. The incident has shocked the nation and brought renewed attention to safety measures surrounding training flights over populated areas.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)