BAF Fighter Jet Crashes into Milestone School in Uttara: 19 Dead, Over 160 Injured

 

 BAF Fighter Jet Crashes into Milestone School in Uttara: 19 Dead, Over 160 Injured

Dhaka, July 21, 2025 — A Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft crashed into a primary school building within the Milestone College campus in Diabari, Uttara, killing at least 19 people — including several children — and injuring more than 160 others, according to official sources.

Tragic Incident at a School Campus

The crash occurred shortly after the F-7 BGI aircraft took off from the BAF Base Bir Uttom AK Khandker at 1:06 PM. A technical malfunction led the jet to go down, slamming into the school building and erupting into flames.

The building housed classrooms for children from playgroup to Grade 5 and a canteen. The incident unfolded just as the school day was ending and students were heading home, witnesses reported.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Brigadier General Md Jahed Kamal, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirmed the recovery of 19 bodies from the school premises. Rescue operations are ongoing, with nine fire units and multiple ambulances engaged on-site.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 164 injured individuals have been admitted to various hospitals, including the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS). Among them, 48 are being treated at NIBPS, with at least 8 in critical condition.

Pilot Dies After Emergency Ejection

The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, managed to eject from the aircraft using a parachute but suffered serious injuries. He was rushed to CMH where he later died during treatment, confirmed ISPR.

Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos and Courage

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and heroism. Teachers and bystanders helped transport injured students using rickshaws, vans, and ambulances. Social media footage showed army personnel carrying children from the flaming wreckage.

Naimul Hasan Adit, a first-year college student, witnessed the jet crashing into Building No. 7 before hitting the school structure. "There was a loud boom. Then fire engulfed everything," he recalled.

Government and Rescue Team Response

Personnel from the Bangladesh Army, BGB, police, and Fire Service swiftly responded. Firefighters arrived within minutes of the crash and controlled the flames by 2:45 PM.

Health Ministry officials and hospital staff have been mobilized to treat the injured. Dr. Abhijit, Director of NIBPS, stated that more victims continue to arrive.

Two platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have also been deployed to assist with rescue and ensure security in the area.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have yet to release the complete list of victims as identification is ongoing. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Air Force are expected to launch a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.

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