By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A Bangladeshi Air Force fighter jet crashed into a school campus in the capital, Dhaka, on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring nearly 200 others. Many of the victims were children attending classes at Milestone School and College when the aircraft went down.
The Chinese-built F-7BGI jet had taken off for a routine training flight but reportedly developed a mechanical failure shortly after becoming airborne. It struck a five-storey academic building before crashing onto a smaller structure, sparking a large explosion and fire.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames and smoke spread across the school grounds. One student said he saw the plane hit and then “instantly catch fire,” with people screaming and running for safety. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, was confirmed to be among the dead.
Officials said the pilot appeared to attempt steering the jet away from populated areas, possibly toward a nearby open field, but was unable to avoid impact. Several teachers and students remain missing.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash. The government has declared a day of national mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast and special prayers held nationwide. It is the country’s deadliest military aviation disaster in decades.
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