Firemen check the wreckage of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft that crashed onto a school campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, July 21, 2025.
Firemen check the wreckage of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft that crashed onto a school campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, July 21, 2025.
In a horrifying turn of events, a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school campus in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 100. The crash occurred at Milestone School and College in Uttara, turning an ordinary school day into one of the darkest tragedies in recent memory.
Jet Crashes into Crowded School Campus
The Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet took off from the A.K. Khandaker Air Base in Dhaka’s Kurmitola area at 1:06 p.m. local time. Just moments later, it lost control and slammed into the school building, bursting into flames upon impact. Students were attending classes when the crash occurred.
The aircraft was reportedly experiencing a technical malfunction. The Air Force confirmed that an internal high-level committee will investigate the cause of the crash.
Flight Lieutenant’s Final Attempt to Avoid Dense Areas
Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam, who was piloting the jet, made a last-minute attempt to steer the plane away from densely populated zones. Despite his efforts, the jet hit a two-story school building, making it the deadliest air crash in Dhaka in recent years. The pilot was among the deceased.
Flames, Panic, and Screams
Chaos unfolded at the scene. Shocked locals and school staff used everything from rickshaws to bare hands to carry the wounded to nearby hospitals. One father ran with his injured daughter cradled in his arms. A tearful mother shouted the name of her missing child as the smoke still rose from the rubble.
Students said they felt a massive tremor, followed by an earth-shaking explosion. The sound sent hundreds running in fear. Those who survived described the incident as “like a war zone.”
Young Lives Lost and Wounded
Doctors at Uttara Adhunik Hospital confirmed that many victims were aged between 12 and 16. Over 60 students with severe burn injuries were transferred to a specialized burn hospital. Most of the injured are still undergoing treatment.
Authorities said that 116 people were rescued from the site. The Fire Service and Civil Defense confirmed that a significant number suffered from serious burns.
National Mourning Declared
The government announced Tuesday as a national day of mourning. Flags across the country will fly at half-staff. Interim national leader Muhammad Yunus expressed “profound grief” over the tragedy, calling it an “irreparable loss to our students, families, and Air Force personnel.”
In a public statement, he promised a thorough investigation and emphasized national unity during this tragic time.
Volunteers cordon off the area after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft has crashed onto a school campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, July 21, 2025.
India Offers Support
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences, expressing shock over the tragedy. In a post on X, he said, “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”
Ongoing Rescue and Investigation
By evening, rescue teams continued to sift through debris, searching for more victims. Soldiers used megaphones to manage the growing crowd near the school, located in a congested area close to a metro station and many shops.
The military's statement confirmed that a team will analyze flight data and technical logs to determine the exact reason for the malfunction. Until then, the country waits for answers.
“It’s My School” – A Student’s Fear
Rafiqa Taha, a 16-year-old student who wasn’t on campus at the time, shared her shock. “I was terrified watching videos on TV,” she said. “My God! It’s my school.”
Milestone School and College has around 2,000 students, from primary to grade 12. For many of them and their families, this day has left a wound that may never fully heal.
This tragic Bangladesh Air Force jet crash is not only a national catastrophe but a personal nightmare for hundreds of families.
