Tragedy strikes Dhaka as air force jet crashes into school, killing 18

In a tragic incident in Bangladesh, a military training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka. The Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI aircraft reportedly took off from the airport at approximately 1:06 p.m. local time on Monday, July 21, 2025, before encountering difficulties and crashing shortly thereafter. This unfortunate event occurred while students were engaged in ongoing tests and classes. Casualties included not only the pilot of the aircraft but also many students who were present at the school at that time. Initial reports highlighted that at least 18 individuals lost their lives due to the crash, with the military confirming the fatalities and stating that numerous others sustained injuries. Eyewitness accounts revealed scenes of panic as parents and relatives rushed to the school, desperately seeking information about their loved ones amid the chaos. Fire officials stated that the aircraft ignited upon impact, which contributed to the level of injuries seen, particularly among students. Emergency responders quickly mobilized to the site, utilizing available transportation methods to ferry the injured to nearby medical facilities. Within hours, local hospitals were inundated with casualties, predominantly minor burn injuries, though some required urgent medical attention. Media coverage showed harrowing scenes of the aftermath, outlining the devastating situation faced by students and staff at Milestone School and College, which serves a population of around 2,000 students from elementary through the twelfth grade. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with aviation safety experts analyzing the wreckage and gathering testimonies from witnesses and officials. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the history of Bangladesh's capital, raising urgent questions regarding the safety protocols of military training flights and their implications in densely populated urban areas. As authorities continue their inquiries, the community grapples with the impact of this tragedy, mourning the casualties and looking for accountability.