Catastrophe Strikes Dhaka School
On July 21, a devastating incident unfolded in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, as a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College. The jet, on a routine training mission, experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, leading to the tragic loss of at least 31 lives, many of whom were schoolchildren. The crash occurred around 1:06 pm local time, striking the canteen roof and sparking a fire that engulfed parts of the school, causing widespread panic among students and staff.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with reports indicating that 88 individuals were treated in hospitals across the city, including at the National Burn Unit. The pilot of the jet was among those killed in the incident. Witnesses described hearing an unusual sound before seeing the jet plummet towards the school, a moment of terror that left an indelible mark on survivors and the community.
Aftermath and Investigation Underway
In the wake of this catastrophic event, the Bangladeshi government has taken swift action to address the tragedy. A probe commission, headed by former secretary AKM Zafar Ullah Khan, has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The commission has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within four weeks to uncover the root causes of the mechanical failure that led to this disaster.
Heart-wrenching accounts from survivors paint a grim picture of the chaos that ensued. A Year 10 pupil, Farhan Hasan, recounted to reporters how he had just finished an exam when the jet crashed into his school, claiming the lives of friends right before his eyes. Such testimonies highlight the profound emotional toll on the young students who witnessed this horrific event.
The Chinese-made F-7 jet, a staple in the Bangladesh Air Force's training fleet, has come under scrutiny following this incident. Military officials have confirmed the technical malfunction but have yet to release specific details pending the investigation's findings. The focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.
Community Response and Ongoing Support
The local community in Dhaka has rallied together in response to the tragedy, with vigils and memorials held for the victims. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and calls for prayers for those injured and the families of the deceased. The scale of loss—particularly among children—has struck a deep chord, prompting discussions on safety protocols for military training exercises near civilian areas.
Hospitals continue to treat the injured, with updates indicating that at least one more victim, a 14-year-old student, succumbed to injuries days after the crash. The government has pledged support for medical expenses and rehabilitation for survivors, while also facing mounting pressure to provide answers and accountability for this unprecedented loss of life in one of the country's deadliest air incidents in recent memory.