Training Jet Crash at Milestone School: 27 Dead, Including 25 Children, One Teacher, and the Pilot

Dhaka, July 22 — The death toll has risen to 27 following the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training jet into a building of Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Uttara, Dhaka. Among the deceased are 25 children, along with a teacher and the pilot. An additional 78 people are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals across Dhaka.

The information was disclosed at an emergency press briefing held Tuesday morning at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, by the institute's coordinator Professor Dr. Md. Saiedur Rahman.

“This is a heartbreaking and extremely difficult time for us,” said Dr. Rahman. “So far, 20 bodies have been handed over to the families of the deceased. Six bodies were so badly burned that they could not be immediately identified, and DNA samples have been collected to assist in the identification process.”

He reported that 42 injured individuals are currently being treated at the Burn Institute, with three in critical condition and five in the ICU. Additionally, eight people died Monday night while undergoing treatment at the institute.

Elsewhere, 28 patients are admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), which is also holding 15 bodies, the highest among all facilities. Eight of these bodies have already been returned to families. Of the four patients sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, one was declared dead, and two are in intensive care. One victim was brought dead to United Hospital.

In the wake of this horrific incident, the Burn Institute has contacted Singapore General Hospital under their existing cooperation agreement for foreign medical assistance. The Singapore High Commissioner is currently at the hospital in Singapore, observing the case files and providing technical advice on further treatment measures.

Dr. Rahman urged the public not to crowd the hospitals unnecessarily. “There is no major shortage of blood at this time, but we may face a scarcity of negative blood groups. Only donors with negative blood types are requested to come forward.”

The army has been deployed at the crash site, and security has been intensified at the Burn Institute. No one is being allowed entry without proper identification.

According to reports, the Bangladesh Air Force’s F-7 BGI training aircraft lost control around midday on Monday and crashed into a building of Milestone School and College. The impact triggered an explosion in the fuel tank, setting the entire structure ablaze. In panic, students, teachers, and staff rushed to evacuate. The crash occurred during class hours, leading to a higher number of casualties.

Following the crash, the injured were quickly transferred to the Burn Institute, CMH, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and United Hospital. University students and members of various volunteer organizations stepped in to donate blood and assist with emergency services.

A wave of mourning has swept across the country. The government has declared Tuesday a day of national mourning. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, the national flag is being flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, and educational establishments. Additionally, special prayers are being held in religious institutions across the country for the injured and deceased.