UPDATE: A tragic incident unfolded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as a training jet from the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a college, claiming the lives of at least 19 people and injuring 164 others. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff at 1:06 PM today, with officials confirming the F-7 BGI jet experienced a critical technical failure.
The military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury, revealed that the pilot attempted to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas. However, despite these efforts, the jet struck the two-storey building of Milestone School and College. Tragically, the pilot was among those who lost their lives in the incident.
Videos emerging from the scene depict chaos, with flames engulfing the area and a thick plume of smoke rising into the sky. Eyewitness accounts highlight the sheer terror experienced by those nearby. One teacher, Masud Tarik, recounted, “When I was picking up my kids and went to the gate, I heard an explosion. When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke.”
Emergency services responded quickly, with firefighters battling the blaze and attempting to control the damage. Reports from the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital indicate that victims include a third-grade student who was pronounced dead upon arrival, while others, aged 12, 14, and 40, were admitted for treatment.
Witnesses described the scene as heart-wrenching, with people screaming and crying in shock. “It was terrifying,” one local stated, reflecting the community’s grief and disbelief.
The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed that a committee has been established to investigate the cause of this catastrophic incident. The F-7 BGI jet is a modern variant of the Chinese Chengdu J-7 aircraft, reflecting Bangladesh’s ongoing military modernization efforts since a contract was signed for the aircraft in 2011.
This devastating event raises urgent questions about aviation safety and the potential impacts on military training operations. As details continue to emerge, all eyes will be on the investigation’s findings and the steps taken to prevent future tragedies.
Stay with us for the latest updates on this developing story.
