A tragic incident occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when a training aircraft belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a school compound shortly after it took off on Monday, leading to the deaths of at least 20 people, including the pilot. The crash also injured more than 100, with most of the casualties being students present at Milestone School and College in the Uttara area during class hours.
The military reported that the aircraft, a Chinese-made F-7 BGI, took off at 1:06 p.m. local time and crashed soon after, igniting a fire. The exact cause of the crash remained undetermined as local media highlighted the chaos that ensued, with many of the injured students being transported to nearby hospitals using tricycle rickshaws and other available means.
The aftermath of the crash was chaotic, with locals and rescuers working to help the wounded. Parents frantically searched for their children amidst the panic, illustrating the desperation of the situation. One father was seen running with his daughter in his arms, while a mother wept for her younger child, still searching for her elder.
In response to the disaster, interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed profound sorrow and announced an investigation into the crash, emphasizing the significant loss felt by families of Air Force personnel, students, and teachers, amidst the national grief. A student who wasn't affected but felt the impact of the crash expressed her fear upon seeing the incident on news channels, highlighting the emotional distress the event caused in the community. The tragic event marks one of the deadliest airplane crashes in recent times in the Bangladeshi capital, recalling past aviation disasters.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
The media coverage paints an unsettling picture of disarray--the lack of resources makes it even worse.
Leonardo
I hope that the flight maintenance record books are being scrutinised, and that someone is held accountable.
Donatello
The government's response feels superficial. More than words of sorrow are needed. We need action - better safety systems.
Michelangelo
Grief is a universal language. We are all with you, Bangladesh. Sending love and support.
Katchuka
Praying for the families. We need an urgent inspection of the flight system, and the flight's maintenance.