27 People Dead, Over 170 Injured After Air Force Jet Crashes Into School in Dhaka
A military training jet crashed into a school campus, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 170 others in Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.
The crash occurred just after 13:00 local time (07:06 GMT) at Milestone School and College in the Uttara suburb, sparking a massive fire and widespread panic.
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Jet Crashes Into School After Takeoff, Pilot Among the Dead
The aircraft, an F-7 fighter jet operated by the Bangladesh Air Force, reportedly experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from a nearby base.
The air force confirmed in a Facebook statement that the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among those who lost their lives.
Authorities said the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft toward a less populated area before it slammed into a two-storey school building, causing widespread destruction.
Children Among the Victims, Many Burned by Jet Fuel
Seventeen children were among those killed, according to Bangladesh’s health ministry. The school caters to students between the ages of 4 and 18. Many victims had just been dismissed from classes when the crash occurred.
Dr. Afsana Begum of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery reported that over 50 of the injured had been admitted with severe burns, with many in critical condition.
Several of the injured were aged between 10 and 15 years, and were suffering from jet fuel-related burns.
Eyewitnesses Describe Horror as Jet Slammed Into Building
A teacher at the school, Rezaul Islam, described the crash as devastating. He revealed that the plane directly hit the building.
Footage from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the structure and emergency personnel digging through charred debris in search of survivors, while crowds gathered on rooftops of nearby buildings to watch the rescue efforts.
Government Promises Investigation and Support
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep sorrow and called for a thorough investigation.
“This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities, including the hospitals concerned, to deal with the situation with utmost importance,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
An investigation committee has been formed to probe the cause of the crash. The victims are currently being treated at seven hospitals across the city, while blood donors and volunteers have gathered in large numbers to offer help.
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The post 27 People Killed, Several Injured After Military Jet Crashes Into School in Bangladesh appeared first on iHarare News.
