Bangladesh Mourns as Jet Crash at School Kills 27

AFP/APP

Dhaka: Bangladesh is grappling with the devastating aftermath of its deadliest aviation accident in decades after a military training jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, killing 27 people, including 25 children, and leaving dozens injured.

The Chinese-made F-7 BJI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College shortly after classes ended on Monday. The incident turned the school, which has around 7,000 students, into the scene of a national tragedy.

Sayedur Rahman, special assistant at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said the confirmed death toll had risen to 27, comprising 25 students, the pilot and a member of the school staff. Another 78 people remained under treatment at different hospitals, while more than 170 were reportedly injured.

The school remained closed on Tuesday as students, parents and teachers returned to mourn those killed and confront the trauma left by the crash.

Shahadat Hossain, a teacher whose son survived, said the tragedy had transformed a normally vibrant school into a place of mourning.

“Along with the children, the school has lost its life,” he said, recalling that students had been playing outside around the time of the crash.

Parents described the psychological impact on survivors. Abul Bashar said his son, who escaped the crash, had been unable to sleep through the night but still insisted on returning to school the following morning.

At the crash site, authorities were collecting personal belongings, including school bags, shoes and identity cards, as police and military teams continued their search for evidence.

Senior police officer Pahn Chakma said the armed forces would hand the site over to police after completing their sweep.

The Bangladesh Air Force said Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam was carrying out a routine training mission when the aircraft developed a mechanical failure. The pilot attempted to steer the jet away from densely populated areas but failed to avoid the school building.

The military has launched an investigation into the crash and its precise cause.

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus declared a national day of mourning and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of students, school staff, the pilot and others affected by the disaster.

As the country mourns, teachers and parents face the difficult task of helping children recover from the trauma. School authorities held special prayers for the victims on Monday night, while teachers warned that returning to normal life could take considerable time.