A Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet has crashed into a school in the capital Dhaka, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 100, according to local reports.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:06pm local time on Monday, 21 July, when an F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into the grounds of Milestone School and College. Several students are among the dead and injured.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the aircraft struck the front of a three-storey building housing classrooms for young children and a school canteen. Classes were in session at the time of impact.
According to a spokesperson for the school, “The plane fell on the gate and crashed nearby. A class was in session where the plane crashed.”
Local media outlets reported that children from playgroup age to Year 5 were in the part of the building hit by the aircraft. Several students were initially trapped under debris.
Teachers and school staff were the first to respond, assisting injured pupils before emergency services arrived. Army personnel reached the site within 15 minutes, carrying wounded children to nearby hospitals as ambulances were reportedly unavailable.
Videos posted online showed the aftermath of the crash, with fire and smoke engulfing the area. Firefighters could be seen dousing the jet’s engine while military officials coordinated the rescue effort.
The fire was brought under control by 2:45pm. At least eight of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
The pilot, identified as Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, managed to eject from the aircraft moments before impact. He parachuted to safety and was taken to Combined Military Hospital for treatment.
One student, Naimul Hasan Adit, told The Business Standard, “The plane crashed into the primary school building, around 100–150 metres away from us. The pilot ejected and got down while the building caught fire.”
In response to the mass casualties, Milestone College issued an urgent call for blood donations. “There is a huge need for blood,” the school posted on Facebook, directing donors to local hospitals including the Dhaka Medical Burn Unit.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The Bangladesh Air Force and civil aviation authorities are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming days.
This is one of the deadliest peacetime aviation incidents involving a military aircraft in Bangladesh in recent years.
