UPDATE: A devastating crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training jet has resulted in at least 19 fatalities and 164 injuries on September 18, 2023. The F-7 BGI aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka shortly after take-off due to a technical malfunction, according to military officials.
The incident occurred at 1:06 PM local time when the jet took off from the Kurmitola Air Force base as part of a routine training mission. Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury confirmed that the pilot attempted to divert the aircraft away from populated areas but tragically struck the two-storey educational institution instead.
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and heartbreak, with emotional crowds gathered as firefighters battled a significant blaze caused by the crash. Videos captured by onlookers show thick plumes of smoke rising from the site, where the aircraft collided with the building, damaging its structure and leaving a gaping hole.
Among the deceased is the pilot of the jet, with military officials stating that a committee has been established to investigate the cause of this tragic incident. Eyewitness accounts highlight the shock and fear experienced by those nearby. “When I was picking up my kids and went to the gate, I heard an explosion. When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke,” recounted schoolteacher Masud Tarik.
The head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bidhan Sarker, confirmed the arrival of victims, including a third-grade student who was pronounced dead on arrival. Emergency responders have been working tirelessly to assist the injured, with several individuals transported to medical facilities for treatment, including children aged 12 and 14.
The F-7 BGI jet is the latest variant of the Chinese Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft family, with Bangladesh acquiring a total of 16 aircraft starting in 2011. This incident raises urgent questions about the safety protocols and mechanical reliability of military aircraft in the region.
As investigations unfold, authorities are calling for immediate help and support for affected families. The nation is in mourning as the impact of this tragedy resonates through the community. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
