Bangladeshi Air Force Jet Crash Kills 19
Bangladesh Air Force Training Jet Crashes into Dhaka School, Killing at Least 19
Table of Contents
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft crashed into a bustling college and school campus in the capital city of Dhaka today, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people and injuring over 50 others.The tragic incident occurred at the Milestone School and College in the northern Uttara area of Dhaka.
Devastating Impact on Educational campus
The Bangladesh Air Force’s F-7 BGI training aircraft took off at approximately 1:06 PM local time before its catastrophic descent. Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene depict a scene of chaos and devastation, with a large fire erupting near a lawn, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Crowds gathered at a distance, watching in horror as firefighters battled the blaze and worked to recover victims.
Visuals from the aftermath showed the mangled remains of the aircraft embedded in the side of a building, with damaged iron grills and a gaping hole in the structure. The impact was immediate and devastating for the students, teachers, and staff present at the Milestone School and College.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Fire services officials confirmed that at least 19 people lost their lives in the crash. More than 50 individuals, including children and adults, were hospitalized with severe burns. Dr. Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, reported that a third-grade student was among the deceased, with three other victims aged 12, 14, and 40 admitted to the hospital.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with members of the Bangladeshi Army and the fire service converging on the scene to assist in the recovery and aid efforts. The emotional toll was palpable, with images capturing people in distress, seeking comfort amidst the unfolding tragedy.
Official Response and investigation
Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that “necessary measures” woudl be taken to investigate the cause of the accident. He assured that all forms of assistance would be provided to those affected.
“The loss suffered by the air force… students, parents, teachers and staff, and others in this accident is irreparable,” Yunus stated, underscoring the profound impact of the crash on the community.
Context of Aviation Incidents
This tragic event follows a similar aviation disaster in neighboring India just over a month prior. An Air India plane crashed onto a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad,claiming the lives of 241 out of 242 people on board,along with 19 individuals on the ground. That incident marked the world’s worst aviation disaster in a decade, highlighting the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in air travel. The investigation into the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crash is expected to shed light on the factors contributing to this latest devastating loss.