UPDATE: A devastating crash of a Bangladesh Air Force jet into a private school has claimed at least 19 lives and left over 160 injured in Dhaka. This tragic incident marks the deadliest airplane crash in the capital in recent years. Details are still unfolding as emergency responders work at the scene.
The incident occurred on October 30, 2023, when an F-7 BGI fighter jet, identified as a training aircraft, crashed into the campus of the Milestone School and College in the Uttara neighborhood shortly after taking off at 1:06 p.m. local time. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane caught fire upon impact, raising urgent concerns for the safety of students and faculty on the campus.
The Milestone School, which serves approximately 2,000 students, is known for its emphasis on extracurricular activities and career counseling. Local reports indicate that many of those injured were students attending afternoon classes.
A student, Rafiqa Taha, who was not present during the crash, shared her shock with The Associated Press, stating, “We never thought something like this could happen at our school.” The emotional toll on the community is palpable as families await news about their loved ones.
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of this tragic accident, with military officials confirming the pilot is among the fatalities. As the investigation progresses, more information is expected to emerge about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
This incident has sent shockwaves through Dhaka, a bustling metropolis with a population exceeding 20 million. The impact of this tragedy will be felt deeply in the community as families mourn their losses and the school grapples with the aftermath.
As rescue operations continue, stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. What happens next will be crucial for the victims’ families and the entire Dhaka community as they seek answers and healing in the wake of this disaster.
