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Sunday 22/02/2026

Tragedy Strikes as Military Jet Crashes into Dhaka School, Killing 27

Military jet crash site at Dhaka school with flames and smoke
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A Bangladeshi Air Force F-7 jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka, killing at least 27 people, including 17 children.
  • The crash occurred after the jet experienced a mechanical fault during a training exercise, with the pilot among the deceased.
  • Over 170 individuals were injured, with many suffering from burns, and victims were treated across seven hospitals in Dhaka.
  • An investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash, marking Bangladesh's deadliest aviation disaster in decades.
  • The interim government declared a day of mourning, as families and volunteers gathered at hospitals to donate blood and seek information.

In a devastating incident that has plunged Bangladesh into mourning, a military training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka, claiming the lives of at least 27 people, including 17 children. The tragedy unfolded on Monday afternoon when the F-7 jet, operated by the Bangladesh Air Force, experienced a mechanical fault shortly after takeoff during a routine training exercise.

The Incident

The crash occurred at approximately 13:00 local time (07:00 GMT) in the densely populated Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the jet struck a two-storey building on the school campus, igniting a massive fire and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. "The burning plane was hitting the building right in front of my eyes," recounted Farhan Hasan, a student who narrowly escaped the disaster. His best friend was among those who perished.

Emergency Response

Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, with more than 30 ambulances deployed to transport the injured to hospitals. Over 170 people sustained injuries, many of whom suffered severe burns. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery was inundated with victims, as families and volunteers gathered to donate blood and seek information about their loved ones.

Investigation and Mourning

The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed that the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among the fatalities. An investigation committee has been established to probe the cause of the crash, which marks the country's deadliest aviation disaster in decades. In response to the tragedy, the interim government declared a national day of mourning, with political leaders visiting hospitals to offer support to the victims' families.

Community Impact

The Milestone School and College, a private institution with around 2,000 students, has been left reeling from the disaster. Teachers and students alike are grappling with the loss of classmates and colleagues. "Never in my life have I seen death so closely," said Ahmed, a secondary-age student who witnessed the crash. The school community now faces the daunting task of healing and rebuilding in the wake of this tragedy.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the focus will likely shift to aviation safety and the mechanical reliability of military aircraft. The investigation committee's findings could prompt a reevaluation of training protocols and aircraft maintenance procedures within the Bangladesh Air Force. Politically, the incident may lead to increased scrutiny of government oversight in aviation safety, potentially influencing future policy decisions. In the immediate term, the nation remains united in grief, as communities come together to support those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.