A 10th-grade student describes the horror of witnessing a plane crash that claimed the lives of students and parents alike.
**Tragedy Strikes as Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into School**
**Tragedy Strikes as Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into School**
A devastating crash resulted in the loss of life and numerous injuries at a school in Dhaka.
Farhan Hasan had just completed an exam and was leaving his classroom when the tragedy struck. The Bangladeshi air force training jet came barreling down into the Milestone School and College campus in a northern suburb of Dhaka, killing at least 27 individuals with over 170 more injured in the aftermath.
Describing the horrific event, Farhan recalled, "The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes." Graphic footage from the scene depicted flames and thick smoke after the aircraft collided with a two-storey structure at around 1:00 PM local time (07:00 GMT). The armed forces confirmed the F-7 jet had suffered a mechanical fault shortly after takeoff during a training exercise. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among the deceased.
Witness accounts paint a grim picture; another student, who was close to Farhan during the exam, lost his life due to the crash. "The plane went right over his head," Farhan said, noting the presence of many parents who had gathered to pick up their children as school ended for the day.
Teachers from the school also recounted their experiences. Rezaul Islam described observing the plane directly striking the building. Another educator, Masud Tarik, reported hearing a loud explosion followed by flames and smoke spreading across the area filled with students and their guardians.
In the aftermath, throngs of people crowded the residential area where the tragedy occurred, attempting to catch a glimpse while emergency responders worked to transport the injured. At least 30 ambulances were on-site to remove victims, and a woman at the scene reported trying to reconnect with her son who had called her immediately post-crash but had since fallen silent.
A doctor from the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery stated that over 50 individuals, primarily minors aged nine to 14, were being treated at multiple hospitals for burns and other injuries. The Bangladesh health ministry noted that multiple hospitals were mobilized to manage the crisis.
In a heart-wrenching scene, Shah Alam, an uncle of a Year 8 student who perished, mournfully spoke about his beloved nephew now residing in the morgue.
The public has rallied in support, with blood donations pouring in and political leaders visiting victims. Tuesday has been designated as a national day of mourning, and flags are to be flown at half-mast. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, promised thorough investigations and assistance for those affected. An investigation committee is already in place to probe the incident, with statements from armed forces indicating the pilot attempted to steer the jet away from populated areas when the mechanical failure occurred.
As the nation grapples with this devastating loss, the hope remains for a swift recovery for the injured and accountability for the tragedy.
Describing the horrific event, Farhan recalled, "The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes." Graphic footage from the scene depicted flames and thick smoke after the aircraft collided with a two-storey structure at around 1:00 PM local time (07:00 GMT). The armed forces confirmed the F-7 jet had suffered a mechanical fault shortly after takeoff during a training exercise. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among the deceased.
Witness accounts paint a grim picture; another student, who was close to Farhan during the exam, lost his life due to the crash. "The plane went right over his head," Farhan said, noting the presence of many parents who had gathered to pick up their children as school ended for the day.
Teachers from the school also recounted their experiences. Rezaul Islam described observing the plane directly striking the building. Another educator, Masud Tarik, reported hearing a loud explosion followed by flames and smoke spreading across the area filled with students and their guardians.
In the aftermath, throngs of people crowded the residential area where the tragedy occurred, attempting to catch a glimpse while emergency responders worked to transport the injured. At least 30 ambulances were on-site to remove victims, and a woman at the scene reported trying to reconnect with her son who had called her immediately post-crash but had since fallen silent.
A doctor from the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery stated that over 50 individuals, primarily minors aged nine to 14, were being treated at multiple hospitals for burns and other injuries. The Bangladesh health ministry noted that multiple hospitals were mobilized to manage the crisis.
In a heart-wrenching scene, Shah Alam, an uncle of a Year 8 student who perished, mournfully spoke about his beloved nephew now residing in the morgue.
The public has rallied in support, with blood donations pouring in and political leaders visiting victims. Tuesday has been designated as a national day of mourning, and flags are to be flown at half-mast. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, promised thorough investigations and assistance for those affected. An investigation committee is already in place to probe the incident, with statements from armed forces indicating the pilot attempted to steer the jet away from populated areas when the mechanical failure occurred.
As the nation grapples with this devastating loss, the hope remains for a swift recovery for the injured and accountability for the tragedy.
