In a shocking incident, a Bangladeshi Air Force F-7 training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka, killing at least 27 people and injuring over 170 others. The jet experienced mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, leading to its descent onto the school campus during a critical time when students were leaving for the day. Year 10 student Farhan Hasan recounted his harrowing experience, describing the terrifying moment as he witnessed the plane crash while chatting with friends after an exam.
"The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes," Farhan told BBC Bangla, visibly shaken by the event that claimed his best friend’s life. The tragedy unfolded around 1 PM local time as parents waited for their children, only to be engulfed in chaos when the aircraft slammed into the two-storey building, sending flames and smoke into the air.
Eyewitness accounts depict a scene of horror, with teachers and students alike recalling the muffled sound of an explosion before the fire erupted. Rescuers and ambulances rushed to the site, aiding those injured while desperately searching for survivors among the chaos. Reports confirmed that many of the victims were minors, with families anxiously awaiting news at local hospitals. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery received numerous victims, primarily children aged between nine and 14, suffering from burns and trauma.
As hospitals across Dhaka received patients, citizens came together to donate blood and comfort those affected. Leaders of Bangladesh's major political parties expressed condolences and visited the injured. The government declared a national day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast in honor of the deceased.
Interim government leader Muhammad Yunus pledged a thorough investigation into the incident, aiming to uncover the reasons behind this tragic event and extend necessary assistance to those impacted. In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow for the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for support and care for the injured.
As investigations continue, the nation grapples with the devastating aftermath of this tragedy, forever altering the lives of families and the community at large.
"The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes," Farhan told BBC Bangla, visibly shaken by the event that claimed his best friend’s life. The tragedy unfolded around 1 PM local time as parents waited for their children, only to be engulfed in chaos when the aircraft slammed into the two-storey building, sending flames and smoke into the air.
Eyewitness accounts depict a scene of horror, with teachers and students alike recalling the muffled sound of an explosion before the fire erupted. Rescuers and ambulances rushed to the site, aiding those injured while desperately searching for survivors among the chaos. Reports confirmed that many of the victims were minors, with families anxiously awaiting news at local hospitals. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery received numerous victims, primarily children aged between nine and 14, suffering from burns and trauma.
As hospitals across Dhaka received patients, citizens came together to donate blood and comfort those affected. Leaders of Bangladesh's major political parties expressed condolences and visited the injured. The government declared a national day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast in honor of the deceased.
Interim government leader Muhammad Yunus pledged a thorough investigation into the incident, aiming to uncover the reasons behind this tragic event and extend necessary assistance to those impacted. In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow for the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for support and care for the injured.
As investigations continue, the nation grapples with the devastating aftermath of this tragedy, forever altering the lives of families and the community at large.
