Dhaka, July 22 (HS): A devastating crash involving a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training fighter aircraft has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including 25 children, in a tragic incident that occurred in Uttara, Dhaka. The crash took place when an F-7 BGI fighter jet, used for training purposes, collided with a building of the Milestone School and College around 1:30 PM, minutes after taking off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The fighter jet, which is a Chinese-manufactured F-7 BGI, was experiencing technical difficulties shortly after takeoff, which led to its tragic crash. According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations, the aircraft had taken off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:06 PM. Shortly after its departure, the pilot reportedly faced technical problems with the jet, which caused it to lose control and crash into the building of the school and college in Uttara, a densely populated area in Dhaka.
The crash immediately resulted in devastating destruction, with the plane reportedly crashing into the school’s upper floors, where many students were present. According to Professor Mohammad Saidur Rahman, a local official, the crash resulted in 27 fatalities, with 25 of the dead being children, many of whom were reportedly under the age of 12. The remaining casualties include the pilot of the aircraft and a school teacher who was reportedly in the building at the time of the crash.
The death toll from the crash has now risen to 27, with 78 people injured, including several students and staff members. Among the injured, five individuals are reported to be in serious condition, and they are receiving treatment at local hospitals, including the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. Medical teams are working tirelessly to treat the injured, and emergency responders have been on the scene since the crash occurred.
As of now, 20 bodies have been returned to the victims’ families for proper funerals, while authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the disaster. The authorities have deployed military personnel to assist with the situation, especially at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, where the scene has become chaotic due to the large number of injured individuals.
Following the incident, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was undergoing a training mission at the time of the accident and has pledged to investigate the technical issues that led to the crash. Officials from the Air Force have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and are cooperating with local authorities to provide support to the injured and their families.
The F-7 BGI aircraft, which is a modified version of the Chinese-made J-7, has been in service with the Bangladesh Air Force for decades. This incident marks a tragic chapter in the history of the Bangladesh Air Force, as it is one of the deadliest accidents involving military aircraft in recent years.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy, offering her condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement released by her office, she assured that all necessary steps would be taken to support the affected families and provide medical assistance to the injured. She also directed that an investigation be carried out at the earliest to ascertain the cause of the accident and prevent such incidents in the future.
The Bangladesh Armed Forces have expressed their regret and are fully cooperating with the investigation. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that they would thoroughly review the training mission that led to the accident to determine whether mechanical failure or human error played a role in the disaster.
Initial reports indicate that the F-7 BGI aircraft may have experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, sources suggest that the aircraft’s engine failure or control systems malfunction may have played a role in the crash. The investigation will likely focus on the maintenance history of the aircraft, as well as whether there were any signs of malfunction prior to the flight.
The Bangladesh Air Force has assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned in determining the cause of the crash, and any necessary corrective measures will be implemented to prevent future incidents.
As the investigation continues, the people of Bangladesh mourn the loss of 27 lives, with special emphasis on the 25 young children who perished in the crash. The tragedy has deeply shaken the nation, raising questions about the safety protocols surrounding military aircraft operations and the need for stringent oversight of aviation safety.
In the aftermath, Bangladesh will face the difficult task of supporting the families of the victims while ensuring that such a disaster does not repeat itself. The nation’s commitment to a full and transparent investigation remains central to the ongoing recovery process.
