PTI, July 21, 2025, Dhaka : A devastating crash occurred in Dhaka today when a Bangladesh Air Force training fighter jet, an F-7 BGI, crashed into a school building shortly after taking off, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and leaving 171 people injured. Most of the casualties were children.
The crash took place at Milestone School and College, located in the Diabari area of Dhaka’s Uttara district, when the aircraft crashed into the two-storey school building. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam, tragically lost his life in the accident.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft was on a regular training mission, having taken off from the Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker in Kurmitola at 1:06 pm. However, the jet suffered a mechanical fault, leading to the crash. Despite efforts by the pilot to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas, the jet crashed into the school building, which was housing classes for young children.
The Bangladesh Air Force has confirmed that a high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Immediate Rescue and Casualties
Upon impact, a massive fire broke out, with rescuers—including firefighters, police, army personnel, and members of the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)—rushing to the scene. The crash and subsequent fire killed at least 20 people, while 171 others were injured, with 50 reported in critical condition.
Injured individuals, including many students, were rushed to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and nearby medical facilities. Several victims were also transported to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) for treatment. According to reports, eight people were in critical condition, and many others were being treated for severe burn injuries.
Witness Accounts
Survivors described the crash as occurring suddenly and without warning. Fahim Hossain, an eleventh-grade student, witnessed the jet crash just 10 feet ahead of him. He said, “It hit the ground floor of a two-storey building around 1:15 pm, where classes for the primary section were taking place.”
A teacher at the school recounted the chaos that unfolded when the explosion occurred. “There was no warning. Before we even understood what was happening, there were flames all around. Visibility dropped instantly. All I could see was fire, then smoke,” the teacher said. “Both of my hands were burnt. I’m also experiencing breathing difficulties, and my face and ears are scorched.”
Witnesses reported that many of the injured were carried away by volunteers, army troops, and even in rickshaws or tricycle vans.
National Response
The Bangladesh government declared a state of mourning for the victims, and flags will be flown at half-mast on July 22 across the country. The chief of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, expressed his shock and sorrow, offering condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
The crash has been described as one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Bangladesh’s recent history. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul called the event “a great tragedy in our national life on an unprecedented scale.”
In response to the scale of the disaster, three platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed to assist with rescue and law enforcement operations.
Ongoing Investigation
The Bangladesh Air Force has pledged to fully investigate the mechanical fault that caused the crash. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the accident to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future.
