International News: A heartbreaking tragedy struck Bangladesh on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into the premises of Milestone School and College in the Uttara area of capital Dhaka. The incident has left 19 people dead and more than 100 others severely injured, including several schoolchildren and teachers.
The horrifying crash caused chaos across the area. Dense clouds of smoke rose into the sky as eyewitnesses recalled hearing a powerful explosion that triggered widespread panic in the area. Many of the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious burn injuries.
Hospital Confirms Critical Burn Cases
A senior doctor from the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery confirmed that over 50 patients, including both children and adults, have been admitted with burn-related injuries. Medical teams are working tirelessly around the clock to deliver urgent care to the injured victims.
Official Confirmation and Timeline
According to a statement released by the Bangladesh Army’s Public Relations Wing, the ill-fated F-7 BGI aircraft took off at 1:06 PM local time (0706 GMT) and crashed shortly thereafter. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but officials have assured that an investigation is underway.
Immediate Emergency Response
Following the accident, eight fire service units and personnel from the Bangladeshi Army arrived at the scene for rescue operations. Firefighters quickly began extinguishing the blaze and clearing debris from the wreckage. Search and rescue work is still ongoing, as authorities fear more people may be trapped under the rubble.
Government's Reaction
Chief Advisor to the interim government, Mohammad Yunus, expressed his profound sorrow over the devastating incident. In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he called the crash an immense loss for the nation and the Bangladesh Air Force.
“I am deeply saddened by this tragic event. I extend my prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and have instructed all relevant agencies and hospitals to prioritize care for the victims. The government will ensure a thorough investigation and provide full support to those affected,” Yunus wrote.
Scene of the Crash
The crash occurred when the training aircraft collided directly with the school building, causing widespread destruction within the campus. Videos and images from the site show wreckage strewn across the compound, smoke billowing from the ruins, and emergency responders carrying injured students into ambulances.
What’s Next?
As investigations continue to determine whether the crash was due to a technical failure or another cause, the nation mourns the lives lost in this unexpected disaster. Families of students, teachers, and military officials are left devastated, and grief has gripped the entire country.
