At least 19 dead after military aircraft crashes into school sparking explosion

A Bangladeshi Air Force training jet has crashed into a school campus in the capital Dhaka, killing at least 19 people and injuring 164 more, in what officials have described as a national tragedy.

The crash occurred at 1:06PM local time (03:06AM EST) on Monday (July 21), when an F-7 BGI aircraft — used for training exercises — slammed into Milestone School and College in the densely populated northern suburb of Uttara.

As reported by BBC News, the campus was in session at the time, with children aged between four and 18 attending regular classes and exams.

Emergency services work to save those injured in the disaster. Credit: Abdul Goni/ Drik/Getty Images

Jet slams into rooftop, triggers fire and chaos

Footage captured at the scene shows a fireball erupting from the college campus, with thick black smoke pouring into the sky as crowds gathered on surrounding buildings to watch rescue efforts unfold.

According to a teacher at the college, Rezaul Islam, “the plane directly hit the building.” Another, Masud Tarik, told Reuters: “When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke... There were many guardians and kids here.”

A student added that he saw the jet strike the building “right in front of my eyes.”

The aircraft reportedly crashed on top of the school canteen, according to Bengali-language daily Prothom Alo (via Sky News), citing a duty officer at the fire service control room.

Credit: Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images

The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among those killed. According to a statement by the Bangladeshi Armed Forces, he attempted to steer the malfunctioning aircraft away from populated areas after experiencing a mechanical fault just moments after takeoff from an air base in Dhaka.

Dozens hospitalized with burn injuries

A doctor from the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery confirmed that more than 50 individuals — including children — had been hospitalized with burn injuries. In total, 164 people were reported injured, with emergency workers continuing to sift through the debris in search of survivors.

Images from the crash site show emergency crews navigating blackened rubble, surrounded by panicked onlookers and overwhelmed medical staff. Ambulances were seen pushing through congested streets as people climbed nearby structures for a glimpse of the aftermath.

National mourning and investigation underway

Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has called for a full investigation into the incident. “This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities, including the hospitals concerned, to deal with the situation with utmost importance.”

The Bangladeshi government has declared a day of national mourning on Tuesday. Flags will be flown at half-mast across the country in honor of the victims.

An official investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash.

“My God! It’s my school”

The shock has rippled through the community, particularly among the students and families of Milestone School and College, which serves approximately 2,000 pupils.

“I was terrified watching videos on TV,” said 16-year-old student Rafiqa Taha, who was not at the school during the crash. “My God! It’s my school.”

At least 19 have died in the tragedy. Credit: Abdul Goni/Drik/Getty Images

One of Bangladesh’s worst aviation tragedies in recent years

While mechanical faults are not uncommon in military aircraft, the devastation wrought by Monday’s crash has stunned the nation. It is one of the most deadly aviation accidents in Bangladesh in recent years, made worse by its location at a functioning educational facility.

Authorities have yet to confirm the specific nature of the mechanical failure. Rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing as investigators assess the scale of the destruction.

As Bangladesh grieves, the focus now turns to the investigation, medical response, and long-term support for the victims and families affected by this catastrophic incident.

Our thoughts go out to every person impacted by this tragedy.

Featured image credit: Salahuddin Ahmed/Drik/Getty Images