19 killed as Bangladeshi air force jet crashes into school building in Dhaka
Images and videos shared online showed emergency crews searching through the charred rubble for survivors as large crowds gathered at the scene.
At least 19 people were killed on Monday when a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into a two-storey school building in the capital, Dhaka.
The crash occurred around 1:00 pm local time (10:00 am EAT) at Milestone School and College, which serves students aged between four and 18. Local media reported that approximately 164 people were injured in the incident.
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Images and videos shared online showed emergency crews searching through the charred rubble for survivors as large crowds gathered at the scene.
In a statement, the Bangladesh Armed Forces confirmed the crash, attributing it to a mechanical failure shortly after the aircraft took off for a training flight.
The pilot, Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, who died in the crash, reportedly attempted to steer the jet away from densely populated areas after detecting the malfunction.
According to the BBC, the injured were taken to various local hospitals. As many as 50 people, including women and children, were treated for burns at the country’s National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
Bangladesh’s interim government expressed condolences and pledged to prioritise investigations into the tragedy. An official inquiry has already been launched, with a committee formed to determine the cause of the crash.
"This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities, including the hospitals concerned, to deal with the situation with utmost importance," he said in a statement on X.
The Bangladeshi government has since declared a national day of mourning on July 22 following the deadly crash.
As a mark of respect, flags will be flown at half-mast at all public, private, and diplomatic buildings across the country and abroad.
Religious institutions have also been asked to hold special prayers in honour of the victims, with the government urging the public to stand in solidarity with the affected families.
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