Bangladesh School Crash Protests: 31 Dead
Bangladesh Plane Crash: Training Jet Hits School, Leaving Dozens Injured and Dead
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Tragedy Strikes Dhaka as Military Aircraft Crashes into Educational Facility
A devastating incident unfolded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Monday when a Chinese-made F-7 BGI training aircraft experienced a catastrophic “technical malfunction” shortly after takeoff, crashing into a school. The crash has resulted in a important number of casualties, with doctors reporting that the condition of approximately two dozen injured individuals remains critical.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Response Underway
In the wake of the tragedy, a blood donation camp has been established at a specialized burn hospital, where the majority of the injured are receiving treatment. The grim reality of the situation is further underscored by the fact that twenty bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. However, some victims were so severely burned that DNA matching may be required for positive identification.
International Support and diplomatic Undertones
In a show of solidarity and support, India is reportedly preparing to send a team of medical experts, including burn specialists and nurses, to Dhaka. This move comes amidst a backdrop of historically “chilly relations” between India and Bangladesh, notably as last year’s student uprising. The offer of medical assistance highlights the severity of the situation and the shared humanitarian concerns.
The F-7 BGI: A Closer Look at the Aircraft
The ill-fated aircraft, a Chinese-made F-7 BGI training jet, took off from the A.K. Khandaker air force base at 1:06 p.m. on Monday. According to a military statement, the malfunction occurred moments after departure. the pilot, Flight Lt. mohammed Toukir Islam, is being commended for his efforts to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas, attempting to steer it towards a less inhabited location.
This incident marks a tragic milestone as it is considered the deadliest plane crash in the Bangladeshi capital in recent memory. While another F-7 training jet crashed outside Dhaka in 2008, killing its pilot who had ejected due to a technical issue, this latest event has had a far more devastating impact on the ground.
The F-7 BGI is manufactured by China’s AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group Co. ltd. and represents the most advanced variant in the Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft family. Bangladesh had ordered 16 of these aircraft in 2011, with deliveries completed by 2013. The F-7 BGI is a license-built version of the Soviet MiG-21.
The School and its Surroundings
The school, located approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the air force base, is situated in a densely populated area. Its proximity to a metro station, coupled with numerous surrounding shops and homes, amplified the potential for widespread devastation.It remains unclear if the pilot managed to eject from the aircraft before it impacted the building.
This report was compiled with contributions from Associated Press video journalists Al-emrun Garjon in Dhaka, rajesh Roy in New Delhi, and Yu Bing in Beijing.