Bangladesh air force jet crashes, killing 20 and injuring 171 near Dhaka school.

Bangladesh air force jet crashes, killing 20 and injuring 171 near Dhaka school.

At least 20 people have been killed and 171 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into a private school campus in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, causing widespread devastation and grief.

The crash involved an F-7 BGI jet, a variant of a Chinese fighter aircraft, which crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka. The pilot was among the dead, according to military and fire officials [1]. The jet took off from Bangladesh Air Force Base A.K. Khandaker in Dhaka's Kurmitola neighborhood at 1:06 p.m. local time and crashed soon after, catching fire immediately [2].

The military has described the plane as a training aircraft and stated that the pilot tried to avoid densely populated areas but the jet hit a two-story building. The aircraft experienced a "technical malfunction," and a high-level Air Force committee will investigate the cause of the crash [1]. The crash happened on the campus of Milestone, a school with some 2,000 students. The school offers classes from elementary to twelfth grade and has a focus on extracurricular activities, career counseling, and global opportunities [2].

The Uttara neighborhood, where the crash occurred, is in northern Dhaka, a metropolitan area of more than 20 million people. Local media reports indicate that many of the injured were students who were on campus for afternoon classes [3].

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus pledged an investigation into the crash, expressing his deep sorrow over the "heartbreaking accident." The government has announced a national day of mourning on Tuesday, with flags to fly at half-staff across the country [1]. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, stating that India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance [1].

The incident is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with military aircraft training operations and the importance of stringent safety protocols. The Bangladesh Air Force is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.

References:
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/bangladesh-air-force-jet-crash-dhaka-school-123923035
[2] https://www.firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-air-forces-fighter-jet-f7-bgi-crashes-into-dhaka-school-building-casualties-reported-13909706.html
[3] https://abcnews.go.com/International/dead-bangladesh-air-force-jet-crashes-school-dhaka/story?id=123917006