DHAKA, July 21, 2025 – In a heart‑stopping disaster this afternoon, a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI trainer jet plummeted out of the sky and slammed into the Milestone School & College campus in Uttara, Dhaka, amid midday classes, killing at least 19 and wounding scores more than 50 victims, many of them children with serious burn injuries.
Chaos, Smoke & Fear on Campus
Rescue teams, including firefighters and military personnel, were seen frantically battling a raging inferno as thick black smoke enveloped the campus lawn. Witnesses described a terrifying explosion:
“I heard an explosion… I looked back and only saw fire and smoke.” — Masud Tarik, school teacher.
The plane carved a devastating path through a building, gouging a massive hole in the structure as terrified parents and students fled from the aftermath.
Toll Rises Rapidly
Initial casualty reports varied: Reuters and Al Jazeera confirmed 19 dead, including at least one third‑grader and multiple teens aged 12 and 14.
Another outlet raised the toll to 16, with conflicting numbers on overall injuries, some reports citing over 100 casualties, with at least eight in critical condition. Hospital officials are racing to treat the injured at the National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery.
Training Turned Tragedy
The military announced the F‑7 BGI took off at 1:06 pm local time, but crashed shortly thereafter during a routine training sortie.
No immediate cause was revealed. Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus termed the loss “irreparable” and pledged a swift investigation and full humanitarian support.
A National Shock
This catastrophe evokes painful echoes of the recent Air India crash in India’s Ahmedabad, where 260 lives were lost, including 19 on the ground, a stark reminder of the fragility of aviation safety.
Dhaka residents are grappling with grief and outrage, demanding answers as schools nationwide brace for tighter safety protocols.
Watch the Chilling Aftermath
What Happens Next?
- Authorities have launched an urgent inquiry into mechanical faults or pilot error and are reviewing air‑training standards near civilian zones.
- An emergency hotline has been activated at the burn treatment center, with the Red Crescent appealing for donations.
- Parents of missing children are navigating through helplines and hospital wards in a desperate search for loved ones.
Voices from the Ground
Emotions overflowed on school grounds as students, teachers, and parents described harrowing scenes of smoke, flames, and desperate rescue efforts, even featuring locals using rickshaws to ferry the injured to safety. One 16‑year‑old survivor said, “My God! It’s my school,”, underscoring the deep personal trauma felt by the community.
This devastating event has rocked Dhaka and the entire nation. As details emerge and investigations proceed, Bangladesh must confront safety standards in military aviation and ensure the protection of civilians, especially its children.
