Dhaka: The Bangladesh air force jet crash has caused the deaths of at least 19 people and left 164 injured after the F-7 BGI training jet struck a college and school campus in Dhaka.
The jet, which took off from the Bangladesh Air Force base in Kurmitola, faced a technical issue shortly after leaving the runway.
Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury stated that the pilot made every effort to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas, but the jet ultimately hit a two-storey building belonging to Milestone School and College. The pilot is among those who have lost their lives. The military has confirmed that a special committee will investigate the cause of the crash.
The F-7 BGI, which is the most advanced version of China’s Chengdu J-7 series, is based on the Soviet MiG-21 design. Bangladesh acquired 16 of these aircraft under a contract signed in 2011, with all units delivered by 2013.
Footage from the scene has shown flames and thick smoke rising as crowds gathered nearby. Firefighters have worked to control the blaze and cool the aircraft remains, which appear to have torn through the side of the college building and damaged surrounding structures.
At Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bidhan Sarker, who leads the burn unit, noted that a third-grade student has died while three others aged 12, 14, and 40 have been treated for injuries.
Witnesses have described scenes of panic as parents and teachers tried to protect children when the aircraft came down.
Images from the site have shown people comforting each other as emergency crews worked to secure the area. The Bangladesh air force jet crash has raised fresh concerns about technical safety and maintenance of the air force’s training fleet. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation to prevent similar tragedies involving a Bangladesh air force jet crash in future.
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