Chaos and Panic at Milestone School

In a tragic incident that unfolded in Dhaka’s Uttara neighborhood, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College, resulting in a scene of chaos and panic. The crash led to the deaths of 19 individuals, including 16 students, three teachers, and the pilot. Videos from the scene depict panicked students, parents, and teachers fleeing amidst screams and raging flames. A student’s body was tragically found in a pool of blood as emergency responders rushed to the wreckage in search of survivors.

Casualties and Injuries

The crash has left more than 100 people injured, with at least 83 receiving treatment in various hospitals across Dhaka. Many of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the accident. The military confirmed that the Chinese-made jet took off at 1:06 pm local time and crashed shortly thereafter, igniting upon impact. At the time of the crash, students were engaged in tests or attending regular classes.

Government Response and Mourning

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed his “deep grief and sorrow” over the incident through a post on X, emphasizing the profound loss experienced by the Air Force and the school community. He described it as an “irreparable” tragedy for all those affected. In response to this devastating event, the interim government has declared a day of national mourning on Tuesday.

Historical Context

This crash is noted as the deadliest aviation accident in Bangladesh in several decades. The most catastrophic aviation disaster prior to this occurred in 1984 when a flight from Chattogram to Dhaka crashed, resulting in 49 fatalities.