A training jet from the Bangladesh Air Force crashes into a school in Dhaka, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people

A Bangladesh Air Force training plane went down in a school in Dhaka, the capital, shortly after taking off on Monday afternoon, igniting a fire and resulting in the deaths of the pilot and at least 19 others, primarily students, according to officials.

Officials reported that 171 injured students were rescued from a burning two-story structure, many suffering from burns and transported via helicopters and motorised rickshaws and carried by firefighters and parents.

The F-7 BGI training aircraft, manufactured in China, suffered a “technical malfunction” shortly after takeoff from an air force base at 1:06 p.m. local time, leading the pilot to try to redirect the plane to a less crowded area before it crashed onto the campus of Milestone School and College, as stated by the military.

Students reported that the school's buildings shook violently, followed by a loud explosion that drove them to flee for safety. A chaotic scene later emerged at the crash site, with frantic relatives searching for their loved ones. Desperate screams echoed from a nearby hospital.

Milestone School is located in Uttara, Dhaka, approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) from A.K. Khandaker Air Force Base. The school is situated in a densely populated area close to a metro station and many shops and homes.

The military stated that the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam, “made all possible attempts to steer the aircraft away from crowded areas to a less populated site,” and indicated that an investigation into the accident's cause would be conducted.

This is the most lethal plane crash in recent history in the Bangladeshi capital. In 2008, another F-7 air force training jet went down near Dhaka, resulting in the death of its pilot, who ejected when he noticed a technical issue.

On Tuesday, the government declared a national day of mourning, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide.

At the crash site on Monday afternoon, a father ran with his daughter in his arms. A mother shouted in distress, having located her younger child but frantically looking for her older one.

Another father expressed his feeling of powerlessness while waiting to find out what happened to his daughter.

“The plane crashed into the building where my daughter was. My wife called me, but I couldn’t answer because I was praying,” Jewel, who is known by one name, said at the location. “When I arrived, I saw a massive fire. There was a deceased child's body.”

Fortunately, he said his daughter was unharmed, but he witnessed many other children with burn injuries.

Students rushed to find out what occurred. “We battled through the crowd and the soldiers to get to the crash site at our school,” said Estiak Elahi Khan, an 11th grader. “What I saw, I can’t put into words ... it’s awful.”

Doctors at Uttara Adhunik Hospital reported that over 60 students, many aged 12 to 16, were taken to a specialized hospital for burn treatment.

By Monday evening, rescuers were still sifting through the rubble, looking for bodies. A crane was being utilized to clear the debris.

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, also promised an investigation and expressed his profound sadness over the “heartbreaking accident.” He referred to it as “a moment of deep national grief.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also voiced his shock and sorrow. “Our hearts are with the grieving families,” Modi stated in a post on X. “India stands united with Bangladesh and is prepared to provide any support and assistance necessary.”

Rafiqa Taha, a student who was away during the crash, mentioned over the phone that the school, which has around 2,000 students, teaches from elementary to twelfth grade.

“I was scared watching videos on TV,” the 16-year-old shared. “Oh my God! It’s my school.”