Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into School, Killing at Least 20 and Injuring Over 170
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Summary: A Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI jet crashed into a Dhaka school after takeoff due to a technical failure, killing at least 20 and injuring over 170.
In a heartbreaking incident on July 21, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, killing at least 20 people—many of them children—and injuring more than 170 others.
The aircraft, which had just taken off from the Kurmitola air base around 1:06 p.m., was reportedly experiencing technical issues. The pilot tried to divert the plane away from crowded areas, but tragically, it slammed into Milestone School and College in the city’s Uttara area.
The result was a huge fireball that consumed classrooms and the school cafeteria, surprising many students and staff completely.
Witnesses reported horrifying sights: clouds of smoke, frightened students running away, and teachers putting their lives on the line to protect the students. Emergency crews, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and military personnel rushed to the scene.
But even though the response was quick, the damage was significant. Among the dead were at least 17 children and the pilot himself. Many of the injured remain in critical condition.
The country has declared a national day of mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast, and the authorities have begun the difficult process of identifying victims, including some through DNA testing.
The F-7 BGI, which caused the mishap, was a Chinese-made aircraft that had been in service with the Bangladesh Air Force since early 2010. Can we really depend on these planes after such incidents? Several mishaps involving identical aircraft have occurred in other nations, raising questions about the safety of Chinese military equipment.
In response to the crash, the Bangladesh military has launched a full investigation. Interim government adviser Muhammad Yunus offered condolences and promised support for the victims’ families, as well as a thorough inquiry into what went wrong.
This is one of the deadliest air force-related incidents Bangladesh has seen in years. The fact that it happened in a school, a place where children should be safe, makes it all the more sad.
Beyond the immediate grief and trauma, the crash has sparked a larger conversation about military aircraft safety and accountability in defense decisions. As families grieve the lost ones, many are wondering whether such incidents could have been avoided.
