🛩️ Incident Overview

On 21 July 2025, a Chinese-made Chengdu F‑7 BGI training jet operated by the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka, shortly after takeoff from BAF Base A.K. Khandker at around 1:06 p.m. local time. The aircraft reportedly experienced a technical malfunction before impact, though the cause remains under investigation.

💔 Casualties & Injuries

Total fatalities: At least 19 people, including the pilot and primarily students, with some reports specifying two teachers as well.

Injured: Over 100 individuals were rescued, many suffering serious burns and injuries; estimates include up to 171 people impacted.

🎯 Pilot’s Actions & Heroism

Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam is credited with steering the malfunctioning jet away from densely populated areas. The aircraft ultimately crashed into the school building during class hours, leading to widespread devastation.

🧯 Emergency Response

The crash triggered massive chaos:

Firefighters, military personnel, and local residents rushed to the scene.

Many injured, especially children, were carried to hospitals using tricycles and other improvised means.

Parents and onlookers in panic tried to identify victims and search for surviving children.

🇧🇩 National Reaction

The government declared a national day of mourning with flags at half-mast across the country.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called it a “profound national tragedy”, expressing deep sorrow on behalf of the interim government.

An official high-level investigation committee has been formed by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the root cause of the crash.

📊 Historical Context

This incident marks the deadliest aviation accident on Bangladeshi soil in decades.

Previously, the 1984 Biman Bangladesh Airlines Fokker F27 crash (49 fatalities) was the worst, and the 2018 US‑Bangla Airlines Flight 211 crash in Kathmandu (51 fatalities) was the most significant involving a Bangladeshi airline.

📌 Summary Table

Category Details

Date & Time 21 July 2025, ~1:06 p.m. (local time)
Location Milestone School & College, Uttara, Dhaka
Aircraft Chengdu F‑7 BGI military trainer jet
Fatalities At least 19 (including the pilot and students)
Injured Over 100 (reports up to 171)
Pilot Actions Diverted aircraft from populated area
Response National mourning, rescue operations, public shock

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🔎 What’s Next?

Official investigation is underway to clarify the technical reasons behind the crash.

Authorities have pledged to enhance safety measures, especially regarding training aircraft operations.

Discussions are expected on updating protocols for low-altitude training flying over populated areas.

SOURCE:  WSN24 AND NEWS AGENCIES