In brief
In a devastating incident earlier today, a Bangladeshi Air Force training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka, killing at least 27 individuals, including students and faculty. The disaster unfolded just after the students had finished their exams, turning a moment of celebration into a scene of chaos and tragedy.
Year 10 student Farhan Hasan witnessed the horror unfold as he left the classroom, sharing his emotional account with BBC Bangla: “The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes.” Eyewitness reports confirmed the aircraft, identified as an F-7 jet, experienced mechanical failure shortly after takeoff for a training exercise. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, tragically lost his life in the crash.As witnesses described the chaos, one teacher recounted hearing an explosion followed by the sight of fire filling the sky. The incident sparked panic among parents waiting to pick up their children, many of whom were caught in the devastating impact. The school, located in a densely populated area, quickly became the epicenter of rescue efforts, with emergency responders and volunteers working tirelessly to assist the injured.With more than 170 casualties, hospitals across the city have become overwhelmed, treating victims, the majority of whom are minors aged 9 to 14. The national response includes public blood donations and visits from political leaders, amidst calls for a thorough investigation into the crash.In the wake of the tragedy, Bangladesh's interim government declared a day of mourning, lowering the national flag to honor those lost. Muhammad Yunus, the nation’s leader, emphasized the importance of swiftly addressing the needs of the affected families and pledged to conduct a detailed investigation. As the community grapples with the aftermath, many remain hopeful for the recovery of the injured, while mourning the loss of life in this unthinkable event.
