Pilot of Crashed Training Jet, Squadron Leader Tawkir, Confirmed Dead

Squadron Leader Tawkir Islam Sagar, pilot of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft that crashed in the Uttara area of the capital, has died from injuries sustained in the incident. The crash has resulted in at least 19 fatalities, according to official sources.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that Tawkir passed away while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) at approximately 3:45 PM on Monday, 21 July.

The tragic crash occurred shortly after 1:06 PM, moments after takeoff, when the F-7 BGI model training jet lost control and crashed into the playground of Milestone School and College in Sector 11, Uttara.

Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames, triggering explosions that created panic throughout the surrounding area. Students, teachers, parents, and staff of the school scrambled for safety amidst the chaos.

A teacher at the school, Mizanur Rahman, recounted that during school dismissal, the aircraft suddenly veered off course, collided with a section of the school building, and ignited instantly. The explosion injured approximately 150 individuals, many of whom have been admitted to the Burn Unit in critical condition.

Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts:

• Eight units of the Fire Service immediately launched efforts to control the fire.
• The Army, two Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) platoons, and the Navy joined the rescue and security operations.
• Injured victims were quickly airlifted to CMH and other hospitals.

Investigation Underway:

The Bangladesh Air Force has announced the formation of an investigation committee to determine the exact cause of the crash.

This catastrophic incident marks one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in recent times in the country.