The fatal F-7 jet crash, blamed on mechanical failure, gutted classrooms and ignited a firestorm that overwhelmed emergency services. Survivors recounted scenes of smoke, screams, and students buried in rubble.
BY PC Bureau
July 21, 2025: A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, at 1:18 p.m. on Monday, killing at least 20 people — including 16 students, two teachers, and the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam. Another 171 people were injured, 48 of them critically, according to hospital authorities.
The jet had taken off from the A.K. Khandaker Air Force Base in Kurmitola at 1:06 p.m. for a routine training mission. Preliminary findings suggest the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure before plummeting into a two-storey building on the school campus. The impact triggered a massive blaze, leaving a gaping hole in the structure and sparking panic among the 6,000 students enrolled.
“It felt like an earthquake,” said Shafiur Rahman Shafi, 18, a student who witnessed the crash. “The plane hit and fire was everywhere.” Teacher Masud Tarik recalled hearing a deafening explosion before thick smoke filled the corridors.
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Eight fire service units responded swiftly as the Bangladesh Army, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh launched rescue operations. Dozens of victims with severe burns were transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, and the Combined Military Hospital. Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman said DNA testing is being conducted to identify charred victims, including children aged 4 to 14. One third-grade student and multiple teenagers were confirmed among the dead.
Tragic Plane Crash in Dhaka
A BAF F-7 BGI jet crashed into Milestone School, Uttara, killing 20 (incl. pilot & 19 on ground) and injuring 170+.
Our (Rohingya Refugees’) deepest condolences and prayers for the victims. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdous. Aameen. pic.twitter.com/EYuSsZAHhK— Juhar Khan (@JuharMohammad) July 21, 2025
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus declared July 22 a national day of mourning. “This is an irreparable national tragedy,” he said, announcing an emergency hotline and pledging a full investigation. A high-level Air Force committee has begun probing the incident — the second F-7 crash in Bangladesh this year, reigniting concerns over the Chinese-made aircraft’s safety record.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences, while ousted leader Sheikh Hasina called for public cooperation, urging citizens to donate blood and support rescue efforts.
The school administration appealed to the public to avoid the area and prioritize emergency access. Videos circulating on social media showed injured children being transported in rickshaws due to ambulance shortages, as crowds gathered near the site, complicating rescue efforts.
The tragedy follows close on the heels of a fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month, and has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved aviation safety standards across South Asia.
