A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into the Milestone College and School campus in Uttara, northern Dhaka, on Monday, killing at least 19 people and triggering a large-scale emergency response. The incident occurred during a routine training exercise, with witnesses reporting flames and thick smoke engulfing parts of the school building.
Rescue teams worked through the afternoon to extract survivors from the debris, while medical personnel established triage centers nearby. Authorities confirmed the jet's pilot ejected safely before impact and is receiving medical treatment. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with military officials pledging full transparency.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about urban safety regulations near flight paths across South Asia. Milestone College, a prominent educational institution, had recently conducted emergency drills – a factor survivors credit for minimizing casualties during the chaotic evacuation.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences, stating: "Our nation mourns this profound loss. We will spare no effort in supporting victims' families and strengthening aviation safety protocols." The crash marks Bangladesh's deadliest military aviation incident since 2019.
