A Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft crashed into a building on the Milestone College campus in the Diabari area of Uttara on Monday afternoon, triggering a massive fire and resulting in many death and injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm the number of casualties.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the F-7 BGI fighter jet took off at 1:06 PM and crashed shortly afterward. The aircraft reportedly exploded on impact, causing a massive fire inside the school premises.
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Personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Fire Service, and Civil Defence responded to the scene. Firefighters from eight units across Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal were deployed to control the blaze and rescue those trapped in the wreckage. The fire was brought under control after sustained efforts, but thick smoke and debris complicated the operation.
At least six to seven students are believed to have killed by burn injuries, according to a firefighter at the scene. One student has been admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, confirmed Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the facility. More patients are expected.
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The aircraft crashed into a section of the college that houses early-grade classrooms. Witnesses say the incident occurred just as students were leaving for the day, increasing the risk of injuries among children. “The plane suddenly crashed into some trees before hitting the building,” said a college official on condition of anonymity. “It caught fire immediately, and students rushed to the area in panic.”
Videos circulating on social media show army personnel carrying visibly injured students away from the site. The area has since been cordoned off, and two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to assist with rescue and maintain law and order.
The status of the pilot, Squadron Leader Md Towkir Islam, remains unconfirmed. While some unverified reports on social media claim he did not survive, officials have not issued any formal statement regarding his condition or whether he managed to eject before the crash.
Police and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism have confirmed the incident, but questions are mounting over how a military training flight was allowed to operate so close to a densely populated civilian area.
Experts have repeatedly raised concerns over the Air Force’s continued use of aging F-7 aircraft — Chinese-made jets based on 1960s-era Soviet designs — citing safety issues and a string of past accidents during training missions.
Fire Service spokesperson Lima Khanam stated that a full assessment of the casualties will be provided after the ongoing rescue operation concludes. An official briefing at the site is expected later today.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
