In brief
At least 19 individuals have lost their lives and more than 100 have sustained injuries following a harrowing air force jet crash into a school in Uttara, Dhaka. The crash occurred at Milestone School and College, resulting in a massive fire and thick smoke engulfing the area. Eyewitness accounts describe the moment the aircraft struck the building, with one teacher and a student recounting the shocking visuals of the plane crashing directly into the school premises.
The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed that an F-7 BGI training jet, which took off shortly after 1 PM local time, was involved in the incident. Reports indicate that over 50 victims have been transported to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for treatment, with many suffering severe burns. While the death toll remains uncertain, various official sources indicate that the number of casualties may rise. In a statement addressing the tragedy, Muhammad Yunus, leader of Bangladesh's interim government, expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of investigating the cause of the crash. He assured that "necessary measures" would be undertaken to provide aid and support to those affected, stating, "This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation." Authorities have been directed to prioritize the situation, ensuring medical assistance to all victims involved.As the nation mourns this catastrophic incident, calls for accountability and safety measures in aviation are certain to intensify.
