A training jet of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a school building in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 19 and injuring around 100 others. The aircraft was a China-made F-7 fighter jet. The crash took place in the Uttara area of Dhaka, where it hit the Milestone School and College building.

The accident happened during school hours when classes were going on. TV footage showed fire and thick black smoke coming from the building. Many students and staff were seen running in panic. Some students had burn injuries and were bleeding. There was chaos all around.

Eyewitnesses said ambulances were not available quickly, so Army personnel helped rescue the injured students. They carried them in their arms and took them to nearby hospitals using rickshaw vans and other vehicles.

The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the crash but did not explain the reason or if the pilot had escaped safely. Teachers and staff of the school were the first to start rescue work. Later, the army and fire department officials joined them. A teacher said the jet hit the front part of the three-story building, and some students got trapped.

The Daily Star reported that more than 30 injured people were taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Others were admitted to nearby hospitals.

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, “The loss suffered by the Air Force, students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others, in this accident is irreparable. This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation.”

He also said that the government would investigate the reason for the crash and provide full help to the victims.

This is the second crash of a Chinese F-7 fighter jet this year. Last month, a similar jet from Myanmar crashed, killing its pilot. This has raised questions about the quality of China-made defence equipment.

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