Bangladesh plane crash: At least 19 killed, over 100 Injured | Videos Surface

A Bangladesh Air Force FT-7BGI training jet crashed near Milestone School in Dhaka’s Uttara on Monday, killing the pilot and injuring others. Authorities have launched a probe into the cause of the fatal crash. 

At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Uttara, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon.

The aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI training jet, took off at around 1:06 pm local time. Just moments later, it crashed into the school premises and burst into flames, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) office.

The jet fell near the school’s main gate while students were inside classrooms. A school representative told BDnews24, “The plane fell on the gate and crashed nearby. A class was in session where the plane crashed. The injured are being taken out one by one.”

Panic and fire after crash 

The crash triggered a large fire and caused widespread panic. Black smoke was seen billowing from the school premises. Emergency teams, including fire service personnel and Air Force officials, quickly launched a rescue operation that continued for several hours.

Videos from the scene showed rescue workers running, thick smoke covering the area, and panicked students being evacuated.

Lima Khanam, an officer at the Fire Service Central Control Room, told BDnews24, “The training aircraft crashed at the Milestone School and College in Diabari. Our team has recovered one body. The Air Force has rescued four people with injuries and taken them away.”

Hospitals overwhelmed by injured 

More than 50 people with burn injuries were brought to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Dr Abhijit confirmed this to The Daily Star. Another victim died while being treated at the institute, taking the official death toll to 19.

Md Nasiruddin, Director of the institute, said, “We have 30 beds at the emergency department. As they filled up quickly, we are sending some patients to other departments.”

Dr Bazlur from Uttara Adhunik Hospital added, “After providing primary treatment, around 60 injured were referred to the burn institute, while 25 with minor injuries are receiving treatment here.”

One of the victims was a sixth-grade student who was declared dead on arrival at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said Prof Bidhan Sarker, head of burn surgery at the hospital.

Government response and public grief 

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement posted on X, he said, “The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College is irreparable. This is a moment of profound pain for the nation.”

He also directed hospitals and relevant departments to give full attention to the injured. “I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and direct all concerned authorities to address the situation with the utmost priority,” he added. The government has promised to investigate the cause of the crash and provide all necessary support to the victims and their families.