Tragedy in Dhaka: Fighter Jet Crashes Into School, Killing 27

At least 27 people, including 25 children, were killed Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force jet slammed into a school building in the capital city of Dhaka. The crash, which also injured more than 170 people—mostly students—marks one of the deadliest air disasters in the city’s recent history.

A Routine Training Flight Turns Deadly

The aircraft, an F-7 BGI fighter jet—China’s most advanced version of the Chengdu J-7—took off from Kurmitola Air Base at 1:06 p.m. local time on what was described as a routine training mission. Within minutes, the jet suffered a mechanical failure.

Officials say the pilot attempted to steer away from densely populated areas, but the aircraft lost control and crashed into a two-storey building on the campus of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari/Uttara neighborhood, about 10 kilometers from the base. The building quickly caught fire.

Devastation on a School Campus

The crash occurred while classes were in session. The victims included 25 children, a teacher, and the pilot. Over 170 people were injured, including more than 100 children. At least 78 remain hospitalized with burn injuries.

Eyewitness footage showed the jet’s remains embedded in the side of the building, iron grills twisted and walls torn open. “It was chaos,” said one official. “Emergency responders did their best, but the damage was overwhelming.”

Milestone School, a private institution with around 2,000 students, offers classes from elementary through grade 12. Many injured students were attending afternoon sessions when the crash happened.

Official Response and National Mourning

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, called the event a “heartbreaking accident” and promised a full investigation. The Air Force has formed a high-level inquiry panel to determine the cause.

The government has declared a national day of mourning. Flags across the country will fly at half-staff.