Dhaka | July 22, 2025 —
In a devastating incident on Monday, a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school building in the heart of Dhaka, killing at least 20 people and injuring 171 others. The aircraft, a China-made F-7 fighter jet, went down during class hours, slamming into Milestone School and College in the Uttara area.
Crash Occurred During Class Hours
Eyewitnesses reported a deafening sound followed by a fiery explosion as the jet plunged directly into the school premises. Television visuals showed flames engulfing part of the building, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Panic spread across the school campus as students, teachers, and staff scrambled for safety.
“It was like an earthquake. The building shook, and then we saw smoke and fire everywhere,” said a school teacher who managed to escape with minor injuries.
Emergency Response and Medical Aid
Rescue teams, firefighters, and military personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Victims were rushed to six different hospitals across Dhaka, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Uttara Adhunik Hospital. The injured include students, teachers, school staff, and local residents.
The Bangladesh Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was on a training mission and lost contact with the control tower moments before the crash. Initial reports suggest a technical failure, though a full investigation is underway.
Key Points from the Incident:
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Aircraft: China-made F-7 training jet
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Crash Site: Milestone School and College, Uttara, Dhaka
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Fatalities: 20 confirmed dead
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Injured: 171 admitted to hospitals
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Cause: Suspected technical malfunction
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Mourning: Bangladesh government has announced a one-day state mourning on Tuesday
Government Response and Mourning
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extended condolences to the affected families. She has ordered a thorough inquiry into the crash and promised state compensation for the victims’ families.
The government declared Tuesday as a national day of mourning, with flags at half-mast across public offices, schools, and embassies.
“This is a national tragedy. We stand with the victims’ families and will take all necessary steps to ensure their support,” said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud during a press briefing.
Past F-7 Jet Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
This isn’t the first time Bangladesh’s F-7 fleet has raised red flags. Similar crashes involving F-7 aircraft have been reported in past years, prompting calls for reviewing aircraft safety protocols and possible upgrades.
Aviation analysts have often noted that F-7 jets, developed by China based on the Soviet MiG-21, are aging platforms and may no longer be suitable for active duty in dense urban areas like Dhaka.
Conclusion
As the city mourns, questions about air safety, training zones, and emergency preparedness in populated regions are likely to come under sharp focus. With 20 lives lost and dozens fighting for recovery, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the risks tied to urban military operations.