Dhaka: A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Dhaka on Monday afternoon, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 50 others, most of them students.
The F-7 BGI jet went down shortly after taking off at around 1:06 pm, erupting into flames upon impact.
The explosion sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from miles away, triggering immediate panic and chaos on the school premises where classes were in session.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with eight units of the Fire Service deployed to douse the flames.
Rescue operations were further reinforced by two platoons from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), who secured the area and assisted in evacuations.
School spokesperson Shah Bulbul described the moment of impact: “The aircraft crashed near the school gate, hitting an area where students were attending class. Rescue teams are working to bring out the injured.”
Students and teachers were seen being carried out on stretchers and rushed into waiting ambulances.
Those injured—many with serious burns—have been admitted to several hospitals across the city, including Crescent Hospital, Uttara Adhunik Hospital, Mansur Ali Medical College, Kurmitola General Hospital, and the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
Victims with severe injuries were transferred to specialized burn units.
By late afternoon, Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirmed that 19 bodies had been recovered and that over 50 people had sustained injuries, many of them critical.
Doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery reported an influx of severely burned victims.
“Most of those brought in are students, and many are in critical condition,” said Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, the resident surgeon.
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Crescent Hospital’s administration confirmed they had treated 15 individuals, including two teachers.
According to director Nazmul Islam, patients with less severe burns were stabilized at the hospital, while others were referred to advanced care facilities.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially released, and no update has been provided on the pilot’s condition by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Authorities are continuing rescue operations and investigating the cause of the crash. The school has been temporarily closed as the community reels from the tragic incident.
