Insights into the Tragic School Crash in Dhaka: What We Know So Far

Bangladesh is in mourning following a tragic incident in which at least 27 people lost their lives when a military jet crashed into a school in Dhaka. The F-7 jet reportedly experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, leading to the devastating crash at Milestone School and College. Among the deceased are many students who had just exited their classrooms, and the pilot was also killed in the incident. Authorities have announced an investigation into the crash, which marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s history.

Details of the Crash

The F-7 training aircraft took off from a Bangladesh Air Force base in Dhaka around 1:06 PM local time and crashed shortly thereafter in the Uttara neighborhood. According to a statement from the air force, the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, attempted to divert the aircraft to a less populated area after detecting a mechanical fault. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with one teacher stating he saw the plane collide directly with the school building. Another teacher recounted hearing an explosion and witnessing flames and smoke engulfing the area. Emergency responders worked tirelessly in the aftermath, sifting through the wreckage in search of survivors. The armed forces have formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the crash.

Victims of the Tragedy

The majority of the victims were students from Milestone School and College, a private institution that serves approximately 2,000 students from preschool to senior secondary levels. Reports indicate that at least 17 of those who died were children. A Year 10 student, Farhan Hasan, shared his harrowing experience of witnessing the crash moments after finishing an exam. He described the scene as chaotic, with many parents present to pick up their children. The tragedy has deeply affected families, with one man mourning the loss of his eight-year-old nephew. The health ministry reported that over 170 individuals sustained injuries, with many suffering from severe burns due to jet fuel. Medical facilities are currently treating numerous patients, with more than 50 individuals hospitalized in critical condition.

Frequency of Aviation Incidents in Bangladesh

Aviation accidents are relatively uncommon in Bangladesh, with the last major disaster occurring in 1984 when a Biman flight crashed during landing, resulting in the deaths of all 49 people on board. In 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines flight crashed in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing 51 individuals. Additionally, in 2008, another F-7 training jet crashed outside Dhaka, claiming the life of the pilot. The recent crash has raised concerns about aviation safety in the country, prompting calls for thorough investigations and improvements in aircraft maintenance and operational protocols.

Next Steps and Government Response

In the wake of this tragic event, the city is grappling with the aftermath as medical teams work to assist the injured. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery has become a focal point for families seeking information about their loved ones, with many volunteers arriving to donate blood. An emergency hotline has been established to manage the influx of inquiries related to the crash. Muhammad Yunus, leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, has assured the public that efforts are underway to identify the deceased and provide necessary support to the victims’ families. He emphasized the importance of allowing medical personnel to work without disruption and announced that an investigation committee has been formed to examine the incident. Leaders from neighboring countries have also expressed their condolences, highlighting the widespread impact of this tragedy.

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