**Tragedy in Dhaka: Fighter Jet Crash Hits Primary School During Classes**

The chaos and heroism following the crash reveal the tragic human cost and the ongoing impact on the community.

In a heart-wrenching incident, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka, marking one of the nation’s deadliest aviation disasters in decades. The crash, which occurred during a busy school day, resulted in a harrowing loss of life, with at least 31 fatalities, including many innocent schoolchildren. Eyewitnesses, like 18-year-old student Ahnaf Bin Hasan, recounted the traumatic moment when the aircraft plummeted from the sky.

"It was like 30 or 40 thunderbolts falling from the sky," said Ahnaf, trembling as he recalled the pandemonium. He described how the fighter plane swooped low before crashing violently into the school's two-storey building. The tragedy unfolded on a sunny afternoon when children, preparing to leave for coaching classes or enjoying a snack, faced an unimaginable horror.

The disastrous flight had been a routine training mission before experiencing a mechanical fault shortly after takeoff. The military pilot ejected moments before the impact but suffered grave injuries that later led to his death in the hospital. "I saw the pilot eject," recalled Ahnaf, who watched helplessly as the parachute descended and the pilot crashed through another building's roof but managed to stay conscious for a time.

The aftermath of the crash was catastrophic. Ahnaf described a scene engulfed in flames and chaos, echoing with screams as children streamed from the building in various states of distress. "All I could see was smoke, fire, and darkness," he said, as he rushed to help the trapped students amid the destruction.

Reports confirm that many victims were under the age of 12. Eyewitness accounts describe the environment transforming from a lively school day into a nightmare filled with burning materials and injured children. Ahnaf himself sustained injuries but, in a display of bravery beyond his years, ran back to assist others, rendering aid to classmates and helping evacuate the injured.

The tragedy struck a particularly painful chord for families like that of 11-year-old Wakia Firdous Nidhi, who was among the casualties. Her close relatives recounted the agonizing search for her body, navigating bureaucratic challenges even after confirming her identity.

As rescue efforts progressed, reports of additional lost lives emerged, reflecting the broad grieving landscape of the affected community. Awful stories emerged from parents, including one who lost both of his children within hours, adding to the waves of sorrow and confusion that seemed unending.

Teachers also exhibited extraordinary courage, with one, Mahreen Chowdhury, risking her life to ensure the safety of her students before succumbing to her injuries. The emotional impacts of the tragedy extended beyond physical injuries; many survivors and rescuers are grappling with persistent trauma and psychological distress.

Questions surrounding the incident continue to swirl as the government and military adjust casualty counts, leading to speculations about responses to the disaster. For those affected, closure remains elusive, and the nightmares of that day replay repeatedly in their minds—a poignant reminder of the fragility of life amidst unforeseen disasters in a world where the sky is no longer a safe haven.