At least 20 people have been killed and 171 others injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school campus in Uttara, Dhaka, on Monday (July 21) afternoon.
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a press statement in this regard.
Shahjahan Sikder, deputy assistant director of the Fire Service and Civil Defense headquarters (media cell), also confirmed the matter.
The fatal incident occurred when an F-7 BGI fighter jet, used for pilot training, crashed onto the canteen rooftop of Milestone School and College at around 1:18 PM, triggering explosions and widespread panic in the densely populated area.
The updated death toll was shared during an official briefing at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) later in the day.
According to medical authorities, the injured include many students, and several of them are being treated for severe burns at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
Earlier, ISPR confirmed the crash, noting that the aircraft was on a routine training mission when it went down. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with students fleeing and bystanders rushing to rescue the injured. Videos circulated on social media showed thick smoke billowing from the crash site and terrified civilians running in all directions.
Emergency responders from eight fire service units — including teams from Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal — were deployed to the scene. Two Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) platoons were also engaged in the rescue operation.
Leaders across the political spectrum, including Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, have expressed deep sorrow and called for urgent support for victims and their families.
Authorities have pledged a full investigation into the crash and vowed to provide comprehensive assistance to those affected.
Rescue operations and medical support efforts continue as the nation mourns one of the most tragic aviation accidents in recent years.
SMS/
