Tragedy Strikes as Bangladeshi Air Force Jet Crashes into School, Claiming Lives

The recent crash of a Bangladeshi air force training jet into a school has led to the tragic loss of lives, including students and parents on the campus. With over 170 injuries reported, the incident has sparked a national day of mourning and an ongoing investigation into the causes.

Milestone School in Dhaka became the scene of a horrific tragedy when a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into its campus shortly after students finished their exams. Year 10 student Farhan Hasan witnessed the calamity unfold, sharing the heart-wrenching moment he lost his best friend, who was near him when the F-7 jet struck. "The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes," he recounted.

The crash, which occurred shortly after 1:00 PM local time (07:00 GMT), resulted in at least 27 fatalities and left over 170 individuals injured. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos and destruction as flames and thick smoke plumed from the wreckage of the two-story school building. Many parents had gathered to pick up their children, leading to an even greater loss of life.

Teachers at the school echoed these sentiments, with one stating he saw the plane impact the facility directly. Reports from local witnesses indicated scenes of panic as individuals fled in all directions amid the chaos. Rescue efforts saw ambulances swarm the area, evacuating injured victims to local hospitals. A spokesperson from the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery noted that of those affected, the majority were minors aged nine to fourteen.

In response to the tragedy, health officials highlighted the need for blood donations to assist the injured, as hospitals across Dhaka became overwhelmed with the influx of victims. Families waiting for news of loved ones faced moments of anguish, with some relatives eulogizing those lost and stating that several of the casualties were children.

The interim government of Bangladesh has announced a day of mourning, with the national flag flown at half-mast. Leaders across political lines have offered condolences and committed to supporting the victims' families. An investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash, as authorities promise thorough assistance for all those afflicted by this national tragedy.

The tragic incident reflects broader issues of safety in military operations and the implications of aviation accidents in densely populated areas. As the community grapples with this heart-wrenching loss, the nation looks for accountability and healing in the wake of such a devastating event.