Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed near Milestone School and College in Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka shortly after takeoff Monday, killing 27 individuals including 25 students, one teacher and the pilot – including 171 injuries which required hospitalisation, according to officials today. At least 171 others were also critically injured as a result. Reuters/AP News are reporting at least 171 people have been seriously hurt during this accident (this story also appears on Reuters/AP News website).
Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
A jet from Kurmitola’s A.K. Khandaker Air Force Base took off at 1:06 p.m. local time on July 21, embarking on a routine training flight when, soon after takeoff, it experienced an alleged mechanical failure, according to military sources. Moments after takeoff, according to reports by military sources, Flight Lieutenant Towkir (Md) Toukir Islam attempted in vain to steer it away from densely populated areas before it struck two-storey school building before it crashed into densely populated areas before colliding into densely populated areas before impact with school building and starting massive fire. WASHINGTON
Eyewitnesses reported witnessing horrific scenes of chaos, flames and screams as students fled for their lives from an inferno that trapped many within. Firefighters and local volunteers raced ambulances, rickshaws and on foot to evacuate victims who remain critically ill (AP News/People.com, +3)
Victims & Casualties
Of the 27 confirmed deaths, 25 children and one unidentified female schoolteacher have been confirmed as confirmed deaths; also among them was their pilot. Of those injured in the plane crash, approximately 78 remained hospitalized as of early Tuesday with five reported in critical condition while others are receiving care in various medical facilities (Reuters/Xinhua/AP News +4)
Maherin Chowdhury has emerged as a tragic hero; she reportedly helped guide over 20 students safely out of harm’s way before succumbing to severe burns herself, according to reports on People.com and AP News.
Official Response & Investigation
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, declared July 22 a day of national mourning. Flags will fly at half mast across government and private institutions nationwide while special prayers are being offered around the clock (Reuters +3 Xinhua News =+3)
A joint military committee comprised of representatives from both the Air Force and civil aviation authorities has been charged with investigating a mechanical failure on one of their aircraft during a solo flight, and to ascertain if appropriate safety protocols were observed throughout this encounter (AP News | Reuters +3)
National and Global Reactions
This incident marks Bangladesh’s deadliest aviation tragedy for years. Neighbouring countries have offered condolences – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity and pledged support; Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also extended their sympathies.
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A Chinese-built aircraft purchased between 2011-13 has come under scrutiny, raising questions over maintenance routines and safety standards for fleet safety, according to Reuters.
Retrospective and Moving Forward
The pilot’s efforts to limit damage after tragedy demonstrate his dedication to civilian safety; yet this crash has reignited debate about military flight operations near densely populated areas – particularly solo training missions – with community groups demanding stricter safety zones and better oversight of military aviation activities in urban regions.
As investigations unfold and mourning continues in Dhaka, authorities face mounting pressure to implement reforms that both honor the victims while preventing similar tragedies from recurring.