Tragedy in the Skies: 27 Dead as Fighter Jet Slams into Dhaka College

A routine military training exercise turned into a national tragedy on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into a college campus in Dhaka, killing at least 27 people, most of them students, and injuring more than 100 others. The incident, one of the worst aviation accidents in the country’s recent memory, has left families shattered and a city in grief.

 

A Crash That Shook a Classroom

The jet, identified as a Chinese-made F-7BG, part of the Bangladesh Air Force’s training fleet took off for a routine flight but lost control shortly after and crashed into Milestone School and College in the busy Khilkhet area of Dhaka. The aircraft slammed into a two-storey building during school hours, triggering a powerful explosion and fire.

 

Inside, classrooms were full. Authorities later confirmed that of the 27 people killed, 25 were students. The pilot also died, along with a school staff member. The injured more than 100, were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Many remain in critical condition.

 

Eyewitnesses described hearing a sudden roar followed by a massive blast. “The building shook, then everything went dark,” said one student survivor. Within minutes, smoke filled the sky, and panic set in.

 

Smoke, Screams, and a Rushed Escape

Students and teachers who managed to flee told of chaos and fear. Some recalled hearing the ceiling collapse, while others described running through thick smoke and fire. Firefighters and emergency responders arrived quickly, pulling out survivors and dousing the flames.

 

Footage aired by local and international media showed heartbreaking scenes, injured students being carried out, firefighters battling flames, and anxious parents standing outside the gates, desperately looking for their children.

 

Military officials later stated that the pilot had tried to steer the aircraft away from a more crowded area, likely preventing even greater devastation. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.

 

An Old Fighter Jet Under Scrutiny

The accident has reignited concerns over the F-7 fighter jets, which are based on the Soviet-era MiG-21 and have been used by the Bangladesh Air Force for years. These jets, though still operational, have a history of mechanical issues and past incidents.

 

The tragedy has led to calls for urgent review of these aging aircraft. While officials have not yet released technical findings, the F-7’s safety and reliability are now under renewed scrutiny.

 

A Nation in Mourning

In the wake of the crash, the government declared a national-day of mourning. Flags were lowered to half-mast, and messages of sorrow and solidarity came from across the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and top military officials offered their condolences.

 

As rescue workers continued to clear debris and tend to survivors, questions are now being asked about aviation safety, training standards, and the placement of military flight paths near civilian institutions.

 

For the families of those lost, however, no explanation can ease the grief. A normal school day ended in unimaginable tragedy and the pain will linger long after the smoke has cleared.

 

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