F-7 Trainer Aircraft Crash in Dhaka: 19 Dead, 70 Injured
A devastating crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 trainer aircraft has shocked the entire country. The aircraft lost control and crashed into a school campus. The impact site is located in the northern area of Dhaka, near Diabari, Uttara. The plane crashed around 1:30 PM local time, shortly after taking off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The aircraft crashed into the northern campus of Milestone College. The building affected was reportedly part of a school section, which was in session at the time. The incident led to chaos in the area, with students and residents running for safety.
Chaos After the Crash: Smoke and Panic Engulf the Area
Eyewitnesses say that the sky turned dark as smoke rose from the crash site. Videos circulating on social media show thick black smoke billowing out of the college premises. Many people can be seen running to help, while others tried to evacuate students from the building.
Within minutes, the rescue teams arrived. Army personnel, fire brigade units, and civil defense squads launched a massive rescue operation. The crash scene was sealed off to ensure safety and proper investigation. Emergency vehicles were seen transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Crash Kills 19, Injures Over 70 in Milestone College Tragedy
As of the latest update, 19 people have lost their lives due to the crash. Among the victims are students, staff, and possibly local residents near the impact zone. Over 70 individuals are reported injured and have been rushed to six different hospitals across the city.
The condition of several injured persons remains critical. Doctors have confirmed that most injuries are due to burns, blunt trauma, and flying debris. The crash caused massive destruction inside the college building, with several classrooms completely ruined.
Aircraft Took Off Just 24 Minutes Before the Fatal Crash
According to local media, the F-7 aircraft took off at 1:06 PM local time. It was on a routine training mission. Just 24 minutes later, it lost control and crashed into the college campus. The reason for the crash is still under investigation. However, preliminary sources have not ruled out mechanical failure or pilot error.
The aircraft model, F-7, is a Chinese-built version of the MiG-21. These jets are used primarily for training and combat readiness. While widely used, the F-7 is considered outdated by modern standards.
Investigation Begins as Safety Concerns Rise
Bangladesh Air Force has launched an internal investigation into the crash. Aviation experts and safety regulators are being brought in to assess the wreckage. Officials from the Ministry of Defense and Civil Aviation Authority have visited the site.
Safety concerns have been raised about the continued use of old aircraft like the F-7. Many aviation professionals have called for a full review of all trainer aircraft currently in operation. The tragedy has intensified public debate on aircraft maintenance and pilot training standards.
Social Media Flooded with Videos of the Crash Aftermath
Videos of the crash went viral within minutes of the incident. Students are seen crying and running for their lives. The scenes show school bags scattered, windows shattered, and portions of the building on fire. Parents rushed to the campus, fearing the worst.
The crash has deeply affected the local community, especially the parents of students studying at Milestone College. Authorities have requested the public not to share graphic content online out of respect for the victims and their families.
F-7 Aircraft History and Previous Crash Records
The F-7 has had a mixed safety record globally. Several nations, including Pakistan and Nigeria, have used this aircraft for military training. Bangladesh has experienced previous incidents involving F-7 jets, though none have been as deadly as this one.
Experts believe that age, maintenance issues, and flight duration could all have contributed to the crash. Some critics have demanded immediate grounding of all F-7 aircraft until a thorough check is done.
Response from Bangladesh Government and Military
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep grief over the incident. She offered condolences to the families of those killed and ordered top-level monitoring of the rescue efforts. The Bangladesh military has assured the public that a detailed report will be released soon.
Defense Minister also visited the injured in the hospital and pledged financial and medical support. The government has declared a day of mourning to honor the deceased.
College Authorities and Public Reaction
Milestone College management has suspended all academic activities for the next seven days. The administration is cooperating with investigation teams and supporting victims’ families. Local residents have started a blood donation drive to help the injured.
Public reaction to the crash has been emotional and critical. Many people are demanding greater transparency from the Air Force and better emergency preparedness in schools located near military flight paths.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call on Air Safety
This tragic crash has raised urgent questions about air safety and military preparedness in Bangladesh. While the exact cause remains unknown, the consequences are undeniable. The nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.
As investigations proceed, all eyes are on the government and Air Force for answers. What went wrong with the F-7 trainer jet? Could this crash have been prevented? These are questions that demand immediate attention.