What we know about the Bangladesh Air Force jet crash into a Dhaka school

A tragic military aircraft crash has shaken Bangladesh, leaving at least 31 people dead and more than 170 injured after a fighter jet slammed into a school in the capital city.

Here’s what we know so far about the incident:

On Monday afternoon, an F-7 BGI fighter jet operated by the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Uttara, a northern suburb of Dhaka. The aircraft had taken off at 1:06pm from Air Force Base A.K. Khandaker in the Kurmitola area and went down minutes later, erupting in flames on impact.

The pilot, who was among the dead, reportedly attempted to avoid heavily populated areas before the aircraft hit a two-story school building.

The F-7 BGI is a Chinese-made variant of a fighter aircraft used by several air forces for training and combat. It is considered outdated compared to modern fighter jets but remains in use in many countries, including Bangladesh.

The Air Force has described the aircraft involved in this crash as a training jet that experienced a “technical malfunction.” A high-level military investigation has been ordered.

The crash occurred on the campus of Milestone School and College, a prominent private educational institution with around 2,000 students. Located in Uttara, a densely populated residential area in Dhaka, the school offers classes from elementary through 12th grade and is known for its emphasis on academics and extracurricular development.

At least 25 students were among those killed. One of the dead was Maherin Chowdhury, a teacher who suffered severe burn injuries while rescuing more than 20 students, according to her colleague.

Over 170 people were injured, mostly students who were on campus for afternoon classes. As of Tuesday, 78 of the injured remain hospitalised, with many in serious condition.

The government has declared a day of mourning, with national flags flying at half-staff. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed “deep sorrow” over what he described as a “heartbreaking accident.”

International leaders also responded, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering condolences and support via a post on X, saying, “India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”

While rare, this is not the first time an F-7 aircraft has crashed in Bangladesh. In 2008, another F-7 training jet went down outside Dhaka after the pilot reported technical issues and ejected from the plane. He did not survive.

The Bangladesh Air Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the malfunction. Questions are also being raised about the safety of conducting military training flights so close to urban, densely populated areas. Officials are expected to review safety protocols and assess future risk prevention measures.

- with inputs from AP