Dhaka, July 22 - A devastating incident occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when a Bangladesh Air Force Chengdu F-7 BGI jet crashed into the premises of Milestone School and College in the northern Uttara area. The aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff from the Kurmitola Air Force base, leading to the tragic event. The jet slammed into a two-story building on the school campus, resulting in a significant loss of life and numerous injuries, predominantly among students who were present at the time.
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The crash led to the immediate deaths of at least 19 individuals, including the pilot, and injured over 70 others. The impact was severe, with the aircraft ramming into the side of a building, causing extensive damage and igniting a fire that produced thick plumes of smoke visible from a distance. Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they worked tirelessly amidst the charred rubble to rescue survivors and manage the aftermath. The scene was chaotic, with firefighters spraying water on the mangled remains of the plane and medical personnel treating the injured at multiple hospitals across the city.
The F-7 BGI, a variant of China's Chengdu J-7 aircraft family and a license-built version of the Soviet MiG-21, was part of a fleet acquired by Bangladesh in 2011, with deliveries completed by 2013. This model is known for its advanced capabilities within its series, but the incident raises questions about the maintenance and operational safety of such aircraft, especially in proximity to civilian areas. The Bangladesh Army’s public relations office confirmed the details of the crash, noting the pilot's valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to steer the aircraft away from densely populated regions.
The aftermath saw a significant mobilization of resources, with more than 50 individuals, many of them children, admitted to hospitals with burns and other injuries. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka became a focal point for treatment and a gathering place for desperate families seeking information about their loved ones. The emotional toll was palpable, as relatives and community members coped with the loss and injury of students and staff. This tragedy underscores the risks associated with military aviation training exercises near urban centers and the potential for catastrophic outcomes when technical failures occur. It also highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and emergency preparedness in such scenarios. The incident has prompted a military investigation to determine the exact cause of the malfunction and to assess whether procedural or equipment issues contributed to the disaster. As the community mourns and recovers, the event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safeguarding civilian spaces from such risks.