A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft (F-7 BG1) crashed into the Milestone School and College campus the capital’s Uttara area this afternoon, leaving 19 persons dead, including several children.
Over 164 people were also injured in the accident, with at least 83 taking treatment in several Dhaka hospitals. Many of the injured are in critical condition. The aircraft took off at 13:06.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed after it took off at 1:06pm.
The Fire Service confirmed that one person was killed in the incident. Four injured individuals were airlifted by a Bangladesh Air Force helicopter to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for treatment.
Eight units from Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal fire stations took part in the rescue operation.
Two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at the site to assist with rescue operations and maintain law and order in the area.
Chief Adviser expresses shock at casualties in a plane crash
Chief Adviser to the interim government Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the casualties in a tragic Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crash on the Milestone School and College campus at Diabari in the capital today, says BSS report.
In a message of condolence today, Professor Yunus said, “I express deep shock and sorrow over the casualties in the plane crash.”
The Chief Adviser said the loss caused to the Air Force personnel as well as to the students, guardians, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College in this accident is irreparable.
“This is a moment of profound grief for the nation,” he added.
He also wished a speedy recovery of the injured and directed all concerned authorities, including the concerned hospitals, to tackle the situation with utmost priority.
The Chief Adviser also said that the government would take necessary measures to investigate the cause of the accident and ensure all kinds of support in this regard.
Hotline launched at Burn Institute to treat victims
An emergency hotline has been launched at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the incident of casualties caused by the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft on the Milestone School and College campus, Uttara.
The hotline number is 01949043697, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.