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The number of fatalities from a tragic fighter jet crash in Bangladesh has risen to 27, with the majority of victims being children, a government official confirmed on Tuesday. This marks one of the country’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent decades.
The Chinese-manufactured F-7 BJI fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka on Monday, shortly after students had been dismissed from class. Most of those who lost their lives were pupils. The incident also left more than 170 people injured.
According to Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the death toll includes 25 children and the pilot. He added that 78 people remain hospitalised across several facilities.
The Bangladesh military stated that the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, was conducting a routine training mission when the aircraft experienced a suspected mechanical fault. Although he attempted to steer the jet away from densely populated areas, it ultimately crashed into the two-storey school building. The military said the pilot had made every effort to avoid civilian casualties.
Investigations into the exact cause of the crash are still in progress.
In response to the tragedy, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus declared a national day of mourning on Tuesday. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Yunus expressed profound sorrow over the catastrophe, acknowledging the immense loss suffered by the Air Force, the students and staff of Milestone School and College, and the families affected.
“This is a moment of profound pain for the nation,” he said.
