‘Plane’s Nose Hit the Stairwell; Both Wings Burnt Down Two Classrooms Full of Children’

The capital has witnessed a harrowing aviation tragedy. A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a primary school building of Milestone School and College, where classrooms were filled with young pupils. The incident resulted in a high number of casualties and injuries, many of whom were children.

Devastating Impact on School Infrastructure

Upon inspection of the crash site, it became evident that the nose of the aircraft crashed directly in front of the staircase of the school building. The aircraft’s two wings struck two separate classrooms, completely destroying both rooms where classes for primary students were in session.

Both affected classrooms were reduced to ashes.
A school guard confirmed that primary-level classes were conducted in this building.

Rescue Operations and Medical Response

Following the crash, firefighters from eight nearby units, including those from Uttara, rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control. They began evacuating the injured and recovering the deceased. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Army personnel later joined the rescue operation.

Several injured victims were transported via Bangladesh Air Force helicopters to hospitals. A large number of severely burned individuals were admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. Numerous others were sent to various hospitals in the Uttara region.

Aircraft Details and Crash Timeline

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft involved was an F-7 BGI training fighter jet. The aircraft took off at 1:06 PM, and crashed moments later on the campus of Milestone College in Uttara.

The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Tawqir Islam Sagor, was critically injured and has been admitted to hospital.

Voices of Grief and Shock

Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, issued a statement of condolence, saying:

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating crash of the Bangladesh Air Force’s F-7 BGI training aircraft. The loss of lives among both air force personnel and members of the Milestone School and College community—students, parents, teachers, and staff—is immeasurable. This is a moment of national mourning. I wish a swift recovery for the injured and have instructed all relevant authorities to give the situation the highest priority.”

Ferdousi, a distraught parent at the scene, reported:
“My daughter is trapped inside. I have not been able to establish any contact with her.”

Ageing Aircraft Raises Concern

It is important to note that the F-7 model aircraft is an outdated military jet, originally manufactured in 1984. It is no longer in active use anywhere in the world, raising serious questions about air safety standards and the ongoing use of obsolete equipment in densely populated urban areas.

This tragic incident has plunged the nation into mourning and intensified calls for a thorough review of military aviation safety, especially in proximity to schools and residential areas. The government is expected to launch a high-level investigation into the crash and the use of outdated aircraft for training missions.