Deadly Jet Crash Hits Dhaka School

A tragic jet crash rocked Dhaka on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft slammed into a school and college campus, killing at least 19 people and injuring 164 others. The jet, which suffered a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, struck Milestone School and College, igniting a massive fire and causing chaos in the area.

Training Flight Ends in Disaster

The F-7 BGI fighter jet took off from the Kurmitola Air Force base in Dhaka at 1:06 p.m. local time on July 21, 2025. Within minutes, the aircraft developed a technical issue, according to military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury.

“The pilot made a valiant attempt to steer the aircraft away from residential areas,” Chowdhury stated. “Despite his efforts, the plane crashed into a two-storey school building.”

The pilot, whose name has not yet been released, died in the crash. Authorities confirmed his heroic efforts to minimize the damage and casualties on the ground. An investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the failure.

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Fire and Panic Grip Campus

The impact sparked a large fire, sending thick black smoke into the air. Eyewitness videos captured flames raging near the campus lawn, with panicked students and teachers fleeing the scene. Screams echoed through the area as emergency responders rushed to help.

Firefighters arrived quickly and worked to douse the flames. Footage showed the aircraft’s wreckage jammed into the building’s wall, iron bars twisted and a massive hole torn through the structure.

Children Among the Victims

Hospitals across Dhaka received dozens of injured students and staff. At Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Burn Unit Chief Dr. Bidhan Sarker confirmed the death of a third-grade student and the admission of three others, aged 12, 14, and 40.

Parents scrambled to locate their children. Teachers and students recounted moments of horror.

“When I reached the school gate to pick up my kids, I heard a loud explosion behind me,” said Masud Tarik, a teacher. “When I turned, I saw only fire and smoke.”

A Deadly Aircraft

The F-7 BGI is an advanced variant of the Chinese-built Chengdu J-7, itself modeled after the Soviet MiG-21. Bangladesh acquired 16 of these jets through a deal signed in 2011, with deliveries completed in 2013. These aircraft are primarily used for training but are also capable of combat missions.

The F-7 BGI’s speed and agility have made it a regular choice for the Air Force’s training exercises. However, its age and maintenance challenges have been a concern among aviation experts.

Wider Aviation Safety Concerns

This crash comes just weeks after an Air India passenger jet fell onto a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, India, killing 241 passengers and 19 people on the ground. That incident marked the deadliest aviation disaster globally in over a decade. The Bangladesh crash has now reignited discussions about aviation safety in the region, especially concerning older aircraft models used for military purposes.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have sealed off the crash site and begun collecting evidence. The military’s inquiry team will look into mechanical logs, maintenance records, and the pilot’s communication with control towers to understand what led to the failure.

While the official cause is still undetermined, early reports suggest engine malfunction or electrical failure. Families of victims and the injured await answers and accountability.

Mourning a National Tragedy

Flags across military installations in Bangladesh flew at half-mast on Tuesday. Government officials visited hospitals and met with grieving families. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow and called for a thorough investigation.

The crash has left the nation shaken and Milestone School and College devastated. As classes remain suspended, staff and students are grappling with the trauma of an ordinary day turned into a scene of horror.

The entire country now waits—not just for answers, but for action to ensure such a tragedy never repeats.