Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School, Killing 19 and Injuring Over 160
- Victor Nwoko
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
A Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka’s Uttara district on Monday afternoon, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 160 others, according to military officials. The fatalities include both pilots of the F-7 BGI aircraft.
The jet took off from the AK Khandar Air Force base at 1:06 p.m. local time before it crashed shortly after into the school compound, where students were attending classes and sitting for exams. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the aircraft struck during peak school hours, causing widespread destruction and panic.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department of the Bangladesh Armed Forces reported that many of the injured sustained burn wounds and were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Medical teams, military personnel, and firefighters are actively involved in rescue and recovery operations at the crash site.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed “deep grief and sorrow” over the tragedy. “The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others affected by this accident, is irreparable. This is a moment of profound pain for the nation,” he stated in an official message, adding that all hospitals and authorities have been directed to prioritize care for the victims.
Although the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, the ISPR stated that the aircraft experienced “technical errors” before going down. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to determine the precise factors that led to the crash.
The Bangladesh Air Force has expressed deep shock and pledged full cooperation in supporting the victims and their families. Emergency hotlines have been established to facilitate blood donations for the injured, and ongoing relief efforts remain active at the site.
Local student Rafiqa Taha, who was not present during the incident, said she was “terrified” as she watched the unfolding news coverage of the crash. “It’s hard to believe something so terrible happened at our school,” she said.
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