Air Force Training Aircraft Crashes in Uttara, Two Killed

Air Force Training Jet Crashes in Uttara; Two Dead, Dozens Injured

A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara’s Diabari area, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon. The jet had taken off at 1:06 PM, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Timeline and Developments:

• Immediate Impact:
  The crash occurred during school hours, triggering panic among students, parents, and local residents. A loud explosion was heard as the aircraft hit the campus, prompting frantic scenes as families rushed to the school.

• Casualties:
  Two people have died, including one who succumbed to injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. At least 26 others—mostly students, including women and children—were admitted with severe burn injuries. Over 100 people were reportedly hospitalised in various burn units.

• Rescue and Relief Efforts:
  Two platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed to assist in rescue operations and maintain order. A Bangladesh Air Force helicopter evacuated four critically injured victims to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

• National Response:
  The government has declared Tuesday as a National Day of Mourning in response to the tragedy.

• Political Reaction:
  BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman directed affiliated organisations—including Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and the party’s health wing—to mobilise and assist the injured at the scene.

Rescue operations were ongoing at the time of reporting, with authorities continuing to assess the full scale of damage and injuries.