20 killed, over 50 injured, many critical

 

 

A BANGLADESH Air Force training fighter jet crashed into a school building in Dhaka shortly after takeoff on Monday, killing at least 20 people, mostly children, and injuring 171, in one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the country’s recent history. The F-7 BGI aircraft, a training fighter jet manufactured in China, crashed into the two-storey building of Milestone School and College at Diabari in Dhaka’s Uttara area. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam, was killed in the crash. According to an updated statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), 20 people, including the pilot, have died and 171 others injured. The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas.

 

However, despite his efforts, the aircraft tragically crashed into the two-storey building of the school, said the ISPR - the media wing of the military. “All injured individuals are being promptly transported to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and nearby hospitals for necessary treatment, with assistance from Air Force helicopters and ambulances,” it said. The aircraft crashed due to a mechanical fault (the details of which will be informed after investigation) after taking off from the Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker in Kurmitola at 01:06 pm as part of a regular training, the statement said. It said that the Chief of Army Staff and senior military officers rushed to the crash site where rescuers, including firefighters, Army troops, police and elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), continued their rescue operations. high-level investigation committee has been formed by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the cause of the accident, the statement added.

 

 

PRIME Minister Modi on Monday expressed deep shock at the loss of lives in an aircraft crash in Dhaka. “Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives in a tragic air crash in Dhaka. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families,” Modi said on X. He added, “We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”