Dhaka school plane crash: What we know so far about the tragedy that killed 19
Most victims were students as the fighter jet slammed into a school during class hours
At least 19 people, including 16 students, were killed when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhood on Monday afternoon.
The Chinese-made F-7 BGI jet took off at 1:06 pm local time and crashed into the school campus just 25 minutes later. Over 100 others were injured, many with serious burn wounds, and are being treated across multiple hospitals.
Pilot, teachers among the dead
The deceased also include Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam, the pilot of the jet, and two schoolteachers. According to initial reports, the crash occurred while regular classes and tests were in progress.
Campus engulfed in fire and chaos
Television footage showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the site. Students were seen being carried away on stretchers and rickshaws. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as teachers and staff rushed to rescue those trapped in the building.
A teacher told The Daily Star he witnessed the jet crash into the front side of the three-storey school, trapping several students inside. “We rushed to pull them out before firefighters arrived,” he said.
Rescue operations in full swing
The Bangladesh Army and eight fire engines from various parts of Dhaka rushed to the site. An Air Force helicopter was deployed to airlift the severely injured to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
Students are also being treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, Uttara Adhunik Hospital, and several other facilities, according to Dhaka Tribune.
“My God! It’s my school”
Rafiqa Taha, a 16-year-old student who wasn’t on campus at the time, said she was shaken after seeing the footage.
“My God! It’s my school,” she told the Associated Press. “I was terrified.”
Milestone School and College has around 2,000 students, from elementary to Class 12.
Nation mourns ‘irreparable’ loss
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed “deep grief and sorrow” on X, calling it a moment of profound national pain.
“The loss suffered by the Air Force, students, parents, and teachers is irreparable,” his statement read.
Crash investigation underway
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) office confirmed the aircraft belonged to the Air Force. Fire official Lima Khanam also verified the crash, though the initial death toll of one quickly rose as the scale of the tragedy became clear.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred in a densely populated residential area.
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