Bangladesh Air Force’s F-7 Crashes Into School; At Least 19 Killed, 100-150 Injured

A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft  on Monday (July 21) crashed in northern Dhaka. The plane crashed onto the campus of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara neighborhood.

The death toll from the tragedy stood at 19 after the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the death of the pilot of the aircraft, The Daily Star reported. The outlet quoted Professor Md Sayedur Rahman, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as saying that between 100 and 150 people were injured in the crash as well.

Fire and rescue teams from the military arrived at the scene.

The Bangladesh Army’s public relations office confirmed in a brief statement that the downed F-7 BGI aircraft belonged to the Air Force.

What do we know about the crash and its impact?

The aircraft, an F-7 BGI fighter jet, went down during a training exercise, according to a brief statement issued by the Bangladesh Army’s public relations office. Fire service official Lima Khanam confirmed at least one fatality and four injuries but did not elaborate on their identities or condition.

Local reports present varying accounts of the number of injured. Jamuna TV reported at least 13 people, including students, were wounded. Bengali-language daily Prothom Alo said most of the injured suffered burns, with up to 20 taken to hospital.

Milestone School and College has an enrolment of approximately 2,000 students, running classes from elementary to twelfth grade. At the time of the crash, some students were taking exams while others were in regular sessions. No official count of student casualties has been released.

What has been the response from authorities and the community?

Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, said “necessary measures” would be taken to investigate the cause of the accident and “ensure all kinds of assistance”.

Parents and family members rushed to the school in panic, while rescue efforts were underway. Bystanders helped transport the wounded using cycle rickshaws and private vehicles. The full extent of the damage to the school premises remains under assessment.

“I was terrified watching videos on TV,” said Raqa Taha, a 16-year-old student who was not present at the time of the crash. “My God! It’s my school.”

Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the crash. The Bangladesh Air Force has launched an inquiry into the incident. The government is expected to issue a more detailed statement once investigations progress.