Bangladesh Mourns After Air Force Jet Crashes into Dhaka School, Killing 19
Bangladesh Mourns After Air Force Jet Crashes into Dhaka School, Killing 19
DHAKA, Bangladesh – A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school campus in the capital, Dhaka, on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people, including the pilot, and injuring over 100 others. The nation is observing a day of mourning today, July 22, 2025, with flags flying at half-staff across the country.
The Chinese-made F-7 BGI aircraft plummeted into the Milestone School and College campus in the Uttara neighborhood shortly after takeoff. Military and fire officials confirmed that the crash occurred in the afternoon while students were attending classes. The Fire Service and Civil Defense reported that among the 19 fatalities, most were students, and 116 people were rescued with injuries, many suffering from severe burns.
The jet departed from Bangladesh Air Force Base A.K. Khandaker at 1:06 p.m. local time and immediately experienced a technical malfunction, according to the military. Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam, the pilot, reportedly attempted to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas before it ultimately crashed into a two-story building within the school. This marks the deadliest airplane crash in the Bangladeshi capital in recent memory.
Emergency responders and local residents rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to hospitals amidst chaotic scenes. Doctors at Uttara Adhunik Hospital noted that over 60 students, many aged 12-16, were transferred to a specialized burn hospital. Rescuers continued to search the debris through Monday evening.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed profound sorrow over the “heartbreaking accident” and pledged a high-level Air Force investigation to determine the exact cause. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences, stating India’s solidarity and readiness to provide support.
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