DHAKA, July 21 (DNA): At least 16 people were killed on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school and college campus in Dhaka, according to a statement from the press office of interim national leader Muhammad Yunus.
The aircraft reportedly lost control shortly after takeoff during a routine training session and crashed into the premises of a combined educational institution in a densely populated area of the capital. Among the dead were students, staff members, and local residents. Several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals, some said to be in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation as the aircraft plummeted into the campus, triggering a massive explosion and fire that engulfed parts of the school building. Firefighters and rescue teams arrived swiftly at the scene and managed to contain the blaze after several hours of operation.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. “This is a national tragedy,” his office said in a statement. “All necessary support will be provided to the affected families, and a full investigation is already underway.”
Officials from the Bangladesh Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine training flight and had encountered technical issues before losing contact with air traffic control. A board of inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The crash has reignited concerns about safety protocols in military aviation training, especially in urban areas. Local authorities have announced a day of mourning, and educational institutions in the vicinity will remain closed until further notice.
This is one of the deadliest air force-related accidents in recent years in Bangladesh, sparking nationwide grief and calls for stricter oversight of flight operations over civilian zones.
