At least 27 people, predominantly children, were killed after a Bangladeshi fighter jet crashed into a school in the capital city of Dhaka, a government official confirmed on Tuesday, revising an earlier count of at least 20 fatalities.
Most of the victims were schoolchildren who had just been dismissed from class when the Chinese-made F-7 BJI aircraft tragically impacted the Milestone School and College on Monday. The accident, which marks the country’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades, also resulted in over 170 injuries.
Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, stated, “So far, 27 people have died. Among them, 25 are children and one is a pilot.” Rahman added, “Seventy-eight people are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.”
On Monday, the Bangladesh military reported that the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, was conducting a routine training mission when the jet “reportedly encountered a mechanical failure.” A military statement indicated, “The exact cause remains under investigation.” The military further noted that the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas but, “despite his best efforts,” crashed into the two-story school building.
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus declared Tuesday a day of national mourning. Yunus expressed “deep grief and sorrow” over the incident in a post on X, stating, “The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others affected by this accident, is irreparable.” He concluded, “This is a moment of profound pain for the nation.”
