Bangladesh aircraft crash update: 19 dead, over 100 injured as Bangladesh Air Force plane crashes into school in Dhaka
Bangladesh aircraft crash: At least 19 persons lost their lives on Monday after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school and college campus in Dhaka’s Uttara area. The rescue operations are still underway and the death toll is likely to go up.
Over 100 persons, including children and staff, sustained injuries, many suffering from severe burns, and have been hospitalised.
The Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet, primarily used for training exercises, took off from a nearby airbase at 1.06 pm local time (0706 GMT). Minutes later, it crashed into the Milestone School and College campus, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Bangladesh military.
Disturbing visuals from the scene showed large flames and thick smoke billowing into the sky, as onlookers stood in shock. The wreckage of the jet created a massive hole in the school building, scattering twisted metal and debris across the area.
Emergency services, including firefighters and medical teams, rushed to the crash site. Fire personnel were seen working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and search for survivors amid the rubble.
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, calling it an “irreparable loss.” He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The Prime Minister also assured full government support and assistance to the victims and their families.
The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined.
- With inputs from agencies
