Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash in Dhaka Claims 27 Lives, Including 25 Children
DHAKA, July 22 — A tragic accident struck the heart of Bangladesh’s capital on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school and college campus, resulting in the loss of 27 lives, including 25 children, and leaving 88 others hospitalized with burn injuries.
🚨 Crash Details
The aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI fighter jet, took off from the Kurmitola airbase in Dhaka at 1:06 PM local time for a routine training flight. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced what officials described as a mechanical failure, leading to the crash at Milestone School and College.
Visuals from the scene showed rescue teams navigating the charred remains of the school buildings, while anguished family members gathered nearby, awaiting news of their loved ones.
🇧🇩 National Mourning Declared
Government officials confirmed that the deceased include:
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25 school children
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1 schoolteacher
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The pilot of the aircraft
A national day of mourning has been declared. Flags across Bangladesh are flying at half-mast, and special prayers are being held in mosques, temples, churches, and other places of worship across the country.
🛫 About the Aircraft
The F-7 BGI is a modern variant of China’s Chengdu J-7 fighter jet series. Bangladesh procured 16 of these aircraft through a defense agreement signed in 2011, with deliveries completed by 2013. The jet was widely used for training missions by the Bangladesh Air Force.
💬 Official Statement
Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health, stated during a press briefing:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm 27 fatalities, including children and school staff. A total of 88 individuals are currently receiving treatment for burn injuries. Every effort is being made to provide the best possible care.”
🌍 Regional Context
This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another devastating aviation accident in Ahmedabad, India, where an Air India passenger jet crashed into a college hostel last month. That incident claimed 260 lives, marking it as one of the worst aviation disasters in a decade.
🕊️ A Nation Grieves
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the nation remains united in grief. Support services have been mobilized, and authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future tragedies.