DHAKA — In a horrific tragedy, a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI fighter jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 170 others. The crash occurred during a training flight when the jet experienced a severe mechanical failure and went down in a densely populated neighborhood, striking the Milestone School and College in Uttara.
The incident has shocked the nation, leaving behind a scene of destruction, anguish, and calls for answers.
What Happened?
The crash occurred at approximately 1:06 PM local time. Witnesses saw the jet flying unusually low before it suddenly veered off-course and slammed into the front section of the school building. According to officials, the pilot was returning from a routine training mission when he reported technical difficulties.
In an apparent attempt to avoid a denser residential area, the pilot directed the aircraft toward an open space — ultimately colliding with the school, which was in full session.
The Victims
The crash resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, including the pilot, several teachers, and numerous schoolchildren. Over 170 others were injured, many of them seriously. Hospitals in the Dhaka area were overwhelmed as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Children were seen being carried out of the rubble by teachers, parents, and even fellow students. At least 43 minors were reported among the injured. Burn injuries, head trauma, and broken bones were among the most common medical issues treated.
Pilot’s Heroic Attempt
The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, is being remembered for his bravery in the final moments. He reportedly tried to steer the aircraft away from homes and crowded market areas before ejecting just moments before the crash. He was found alive but critically injured and died later in the hospital.
Military officials confirmed that his actions potentially saved hundreds more lives.
Rescue and Aftermath
Rescue operations began immediately, with fire services, the military, and local volunteers rushing into the collapsed and burning portions of the school to pull survivors from the rubble. Thick black smoke filled the air as terrified parents arrived at the scene looking for their children.
With a shortage of ambulances, many victims were transported in private vehicles. Emotional and chaotic scenes unfolded at nearby hospitals as relatives waited for news.
Nation in Mourning
Bangladesh’s interim government declared a national day of mourning. Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast, and schools in Dhaka suspended classes for three days in honor of the victims.
The country’s acting prime minister addressed the nation, calling the event an “irreparable loss” and promised a full and transparent investigation.
Investigation Underway
Military and civil aviation authorities have launched a joint investigation. The Bangladesh Air Force grounded all F‑7 BGI jets pending inspection.
Preliminary findings suggest that a critical systems failure was responsible, though officials have not ruled out maintenance lapses or pilot error.
About the F‑7 BGI Aircraft
The F‑7 BGI is a Chinese-made supersonic aircraft based on the Soviet MiG-21 design. It has been in service with the Bangladesh Air Force for over a decade. While it is a high-performance aircraft, its aging components and complex maintenance needs have made it controversial.
This is not the first accident involving the F‑7 series in Bangladesh. Safety concerns have been raised in recent years, especially about the risks posed to civilians when training flights are conducted over populated areas.
Public Reaction and Safety Debate
The crash has reignited debate about military flight paths and safety protocols. Citizens and aviation experts have called on authorities to reassess flight training locations and invest in aircraft with better safety records.
Many residents of Uttara reported that military jets frequently fly low over the area, often startling people on the ground. Protesters gathered outside Milestone School the next day demanding reforms and accountability.
Eyewitness Accounts
One 6th-grade student described the moment of impact: “I was in class when I heard a loud bang. The building shook and windows shattered. I saw my teacher bleeding and we all ran in different directions.”
Another teacher, with visible bruises, recounted pulling three children from the rubble. “We didn’t know if the building would collapse completely, but we couldn’t leave the kids.”
Government’s Next Steps
The interim government has pledged compensation to the victims’ families, full medical coverage for the injured, and psychological counseling for survivors.
A national commission on military aviation safety has been formed and will report its findings within 60 days. All future training exercises have been temporarily suspended over civilian areas.
Conclusion
This tragic event has left an indelible mark on Bangladesh. The loss of so many innocent lives, especially schoolchildren, is a stark reminder of the importance of safety in all forms of aviation—civilian or military.
As the nation grieves, the hope remains that this terrible event will bring about meaningful change in safety standards, training protocols, and aircraft maintenance oversight.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow Yalla TV on WhatsApp Channels.
