Dhaka, Bangladesh – July 21, 2025, A devastating Bangladesh plane crash occurred Monday afternoon when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet slammed into a school in the Uttara district of Dhaka, killing at least 19 people, including children and a military pilot, and injuring over 100 others.
What Happened?
The F-7 BGI, a Chinese-built fighter aircraft used by the Bangladesh Air Force for training missions, crashed shortly after taking off from A.K. Khandaker Air Base at 1:06 PM local time. The aircraft reportedly experienced a technical malfunction and went down around 1:30 PM, crashing directly into Milestone School and College, a private educational institution in northern Dhaka.
Victims
Among the dead are:
- The pilot, identified as Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam (according to some sources)
- Students, including many sixth-graders.
- Two teachers.
- Over 100 people were injured, with many suffering severe burns.
Emergency responders from the Bangladesh Army, Air Force, Fire Service, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rushed to the scene for rescue and evacuation operations.
Eyewitness Accounts
Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the school building as families and emergency workers frantically pulled victims from the wreckage. The crash triggered fires, damaged nearby structures, and left several classrooms in ruins.
Authorities confirmed that the pilot attempted to divert the plane away from densely populated areas, but was unable to avoid the school compound. His efforts are being hailed as heroic despite the tragic outcome.
Government and International Reactions
- Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has declared Tuesday a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and offered support from India.
- Global leaders and humanitarian agencies are offering condolences and emergency aid.
Why Did the Crash Happen?
Military officials say the aircraft experienced a “technical malfunction” mid-flight. A high-level investigation has been launched by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the exact cause. The F-7 BGI, while reliable, has a history of accidents during training exercises in South Asia.
Location and Impact
The crash occurred in Uttara, a northern district of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The Milestone School and College campus, normally bustling with students, became a scene of horror. Many students were in classrooms or taking exams at the time of the impact.
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