Tragic Bangladesh Jet Crash Claims 27 Lives at Dhaka School

In a devastating incident on Monday, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 27 individuals, including 17 children. The crash, which occurred shortly after 1:06 PM local time, has been described as the deadliest aviation disaster in Bangladesh's history in recent decades. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations suggest that the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from a nearby air force base, prompting the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, to attempt an emergency landing in less populated areas, ultimately failing to avoid the school.

The armed forces confirmed that an investigation committee has been established to ascertain the cause of this tragic accident. The incident has left the nation in mourning, with emergency services working tirelessly to assist the injured and recover the deceased. Reports indicate that over 170 individuals sustained injuries, predominantly among children aged between 10 and 15 years, many suffering from severe burns due to jet fuel.

In the aftermath of the crash, medical facilities in Dhaka were overwhelmed with family members seeking information about their loved ones. Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh's interim government, announced an emergency hotline for families affected by the disaster and vowed comprehensive assistance to the victims' families. He also stated that bodies would be identified through DNA testing where necessary.

The Milestone School, a private institution with approximately 2,000 students, was particularly vulnerable as many children were present just after school hours, waiting for private coaching. Eyewitness accounts from students and teachers recount harrowing scenes of chaos and destruction, with one student tragically witnessing the death of his friend during the incident.

Historically, aviation accidents in Bangladesh have been rare, with the last significant disaster occurring in 1984, when a Biman flight crashed during landing, killing all 49 people aboard. The recent crash has sparked discussions on aviation safety standards in the country, as well as the need for stringent regulations governing military training flights.

As Bangladesh grapples with this national tragedy, condolences have poured in from international leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing solidarity with the grieving families. The incident raises critical questions about aviation safety and emergency preparedness in densely populated urban areas, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to ensure that such tragedies do not recur in the future.