Tragedy Strikes Uttara: Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into Milestone School, Leaving 19 Dead and Over 170 Injured in this Dhaka Plane Crash.
Finix News Desk | July 21, 2025
In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training jet crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, during a routine training flight. The tragic accident occurred around 1:06 PM on Monday, July 21, turning a quiet academic afternoon into a scene of chaos, destruction, and unimaginable grief.
According to official sources, at least 19 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 170 individuals, most of them students have been injured in varying degrees. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam, also lost his life in the crash after a failed attempt to divert the aircraft to a less populated area.
The Moment of Impact:
Eyewitnesses describe the moment of impact as “earth-shattering.” Students were in classrooms attending their regular lessons when a deafening roar filled the air. Seconds later, the aircraft pierced through a block of the academic building, resulting in an immediate explosion followed by flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
A mathematics teacher at the school recalled the horrifying moment: “It felt like an earthquake. The walls trembled, and then there was a loud bang. We thought a bomb had gone off.” Panic ensued as children screamed and tried to flee the scene. Rescue efforts began almost immediately with the help of teachers, school staff, and local residents.
Emergency Response:
Multiple units from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the Armed Forces, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters struggled to control the blaze as emergency medical responders tended to the wounded. Makeshift stretchers were used to carry injured students to waiting ambulances.
According to the Fire Service, it took more than two hours to fully douse the fire and secure the crash site. In the meantime, at least 60 injured students were rushed to various hospitals in Dhaka, including the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Sheikh Hasina Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute.
Cause of the Crash:
Initial reports from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) suggest that the F-7 BGI aircraft, a model frequently used for training purposes suffered a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff from the BAF Base Bir Uttom A. K. Khandker in Kurmitola. The pilot made desperate attempts to maneuver the failing jet toward an empty field near Diabari to avoid civilian casualties. Unfortunately, he lost control just moments before reaching the open area.
Aviation experts suggest that the aircraft may have experienced a power failure or engine fire, although a definitive cause will only be known after a full technical investigation. The Bangladesh Air Force has formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident.
Human Cost and Community Impact:
The loss of 19 lives, many of them young students and the injury of over 170 people have cast a shadow of mourning over the entire country. Parents gathered in tears outside the school gates, some searching frantically for their children.
Several classrooms were completely destroyed, and parts of the school building suffered structural damage. Milestone School and College authorities have suspended all academic activities until further notice.
The school principal stated, “This is a day of deep sorrow and unprecedented tragedy for our institution. We are working closely with authorities to support our students and families.”
Government and Public Response:
The interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office extended condolences to the victims’ families and assured that all necessary medical support would be provided to the injured.
A national day of mourning has been declared on July 22, with the national flag flown at half-mast in all government institutions. The education ministry has also instructed all schools to hold special prayers for the victims.
President Mohammad Shahabuddin and other national leaders have also expressed their condolences, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability.
International Reactions:
While Bangladesh reels from the impact of the tragedy, international leaders have begun to send messages of sympathy. Multiple embassies in Dhaka have offered assistance, and several foreign governments have reached out in solidarity.
Community Heroes:
Amid the destruction, stories of bravery and resilience have emerged. Teachers risked their lives to protect students, carrying them out of burning classrooms. Local residents helped emergency services remove debris and transport victims. One father, who lost his daughter in the incident, remained at the site to help rescue other children.
Medical staff at Dhaka hospitals are working around the clock to treat the injured, many of whom have suffered severe burns and psychological trauma.
Moving Forward:
As the country mourns, questions are being raised about safety protocols near densely populated civilian areas. Experts have long warned about the risks of conducting military training flights over urban regions.
Calls are growing for better airspace management and the relocation of training routes to rural or uninhabited areas. The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to review existing policies in light of this tragedy.
The Uttara plane crash is one of the deadliest peacetime military aviation disasters in Bangladesh’s history. It has not only taken innocent lives but has also exposed glaring safety vulnerabilities.
As investigators begin the painstaking task of uncovering what went wrong, the nation stands united in grief and hope. For the families affected, no inquiry or compensation can undo the loss, but transparency, accountability, and reform may help ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Finix News will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
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