A devastating incident unfolded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where a military training aircraft tragically crashed into a school and college campus. This calamitous event, which occurred during school hours, resulted in significant loss of life and numerous injuries. The immediate aftermath saw scenes of chaos and despair, prompting urgent responses from emergency services and government officials. The interim government has pledged a thorough inquiry into the accident's origins and extended support to those affected by this profound tragedy, highlighting the irreparable losses endured by the community.

Military Aircraft Plunges into Dhaka Campus, Causing Extensive Casualties

On the somber afternoon of July 21, 2025, at approximately 1 PM local time (07:00 GMT), a Bangladesh air force F-7 BGI training aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure, plummeting into the grounds of Milestone School and College in the bustling Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka. This horrific event unfolded while students were actively engaged in academic pursuits, attending classes or undergoing examinations. The impact led to an immediate conflagration, with thick plumes of smoke ascending into the sky, visible from a considerable distance.

Initial reports confirmed that at least 19 individuals perished in the calamity. Furthermore, more than 50 people, encompassing both children and adults, sustained burn injuries and required urgent hospitalization. Dr. Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, where some victims were transported, reported the immediate death of one third-grade student upon arrival, while three others, aged 12, 14, and 40, were admitted for critical care. Eyewitness accounts from teachers, such as Masud Tarik, described hearing a powerful explosion followed by an inferno, as he rushed to collect his children from the school. Videos circulated on social media captured the heart-wrenching screams and tears of onlookers, as firefighters valiantly battled the blaze consuming the mangled wreckage, which had severely damaged a building's structure, leaving a gaping hole.

In response to the dire situation, Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government, swiftly announced a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the accident. He assured the public of the government's commitment to providing all necessary assistance to the victims and their families. Emphasizing the profound grief shared by the air force, students, parents, teachers, and staff, Yunus acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of their losses. Additionally, an emergency hotline has been activated at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery to facilitate aid. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has also issued a plea for donations to support the injured. This tragic incident echoes a similar aviation disaster that occurred just over a month prior in Ahmedabad, India, involving an Air India plane, underscoring a period of heightened aviation safety concerns in the region.

As journalists and citizens reflect on this heart-wrenching incident, it becomes clear that such events serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, even in a training capacity, especially when operations occur in close proximity to densely populated civilian areas. The immense human cost, particularly involving innocent students, compels a deeper examination of safety protocols and urban planning. From a humanitarian perspective, the outpouring of support and the swift action by medical and governmental bodies highlight the collective resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. This tragedy should instigate a thorough review of flight paths, emergency response mechanisms, and preventative measures to safeguard communities and prevent future recurrences of such devastating accidents. It calls for a renewed global commitment to aviation safety, ensuring that the pursuit of progress does not come at the expense of human lives.