Tragedy struck in Dhaka when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed directly into the Milestone School & College campus in the city’s Uttara area. The aircraft had taken off at approximately 1:06 p.m. local time but suffered a critical mechanical failure shortly thereafter. In a final act of bravery, the pilot—identified as Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam—attempted to steer the aircraft away from densely populated neighborhoods. Despite his efforts, the plane plummeted into the school grounds, where hundreds of students were attending classes.
The crash caused a massive explosion and engulfed several school buildings in flames, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with children running for safety amid the chaos. Emergency responders, including firefighters, military personnel, and civilians, rushed to the site to carry victims to nearby hospitals.
Initial reports confirmed at least 19 deaths, including the pilot, with over 160 people injured—many of them schoolchildren suffering from burns and trauma. As rescue operations continued into the evening, the death toll began to rise, with some victims succumbing to injuries overnight. The nation has since declared a day of mourning, and investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
