Mahbub Hasan Tutul, Dhaka Correspondent:
At least 19 people were killed and more than 150 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR confirmed that the casualties included the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft. A total of 164 people sustained injuries in the incident.
Earlier, Brigadier General Mohammad Zahid Kamal, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence, had confirmed the death toll at 19.
The crash occurred shortly after 1:00pm. According to an ISPR statement, the aircraft took off at 1:06pm and subsequently lost control before crashing into the school building.
Speaking to reporters around 4:45pm while visiting the site, Brig Gen Zahid Kamal said, “As you all know, today an F-7 BGI fighter aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force crash-landed on the second floor of Milestone School and College’s Uttara branch around 1:00pm. On that floor, classes for Grade 3 and Grade 4 students were being held, while the first floor housed classes for Grades 2 and 5. Also present were the principal’s office, a meeting room, and an ongoing coaching class.”
“Although the school day had just ended, many children and possibly some guardians were still on the premises when the aircraft crashed into the area adjacent to the teachers’ room, where they had gathered,” he added.
The Fire Service received the alert at approximately 1:08pm, and nine units were immediately dispatched to the scene to begin rescue operations.
“The fire is now completely under control, and our rescue work is ongoing,” said the fire service chief.
Bodies of the deceased have been recovered and sent to different hospitals, he confirmed. “So far, we have recovered 19 bodies. They have been taken to various hospitals. The army, Fire Service, police, and other agencies are working together on the rescue operation. Once the operation is complete, we will provide a full report of the damage,” he added.
DG Zahid Kamal also stated that more than 50 people were injured and hinted that the death toll could rise. “We have not yet been able to identify all the victims, but we suspect most of them are children,” he said.
Hundreds of people gathered outside Milestone School as ambulances transported the injured to hospitals. Authorities have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations for the wounded.
More updates to follow…