A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school compound in Uttara, Dhaka, resulting in at least 19 fatalities, many of whom were children, and over 160 injuries. The military confirmed the incident involved a training plane that suffered mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. Despite the pilot's attempt to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas, it struck a two-story school building during a time when students, teachers, and parents were still present. Eyewitnesses described a large fire and thick smoke at the scene. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving various security forces, and ambulances are transporting casualties. Challenges remain in identifying victims and fully accounting for all affected individuals. Bangladesh's interim government has declared a national day of mourning in response to the tragedy.
Bangladesh Air Force Training Jet Crash: Incident Details and Aftermath
0:00 Fatal Jet Crash in Dhaka: A Bangladesh Air Force training jet lost control and crashed into a school compound in the northern suburb of Uttara, Dhaka.
0:11 Casualties and Initial Scene: At least 19 people were killed, including many children, and over 100 were initially reported injured, with later updates indicating more than 160 injured. The incident caused a huge fire and thick plumes of smoke, with immediate rescue efforts commencing.
0:46 Eyewitness Accounts: An eyewitness described the plane crashing about 100 meters from a building around 1:00 PM, impacting primary students and guardians waiting outside the school, with many casualties presumed.
1:33 Emergency Response: Ambulances arrived to transport numerous casualties to nearby hospitals. Security forces, including the army, navy, air force, and fire service, immediately initiated rescue operations, cordoning off the site.
2:30 Military Confirmation and Cause: Bangladesh's military confirmed the incident, stating the jet was on a training mission and suffered mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. An investigation is pending to determine further details.
2:53 Pilot's Attempted Diversion: The pilot reportedly attempted to steer the aircraft away from a densely populated area but was unable to do so in time.
3:05 Impact on School Building: The plane struck a two-story building within the school campus, which housed classrooms for second and fourth-grade students. Though lessons had ended, students, teachers, and parents were still present.
4:17 Ongoing Efforts and Unaccounted Individuals: Rescue operations are still underway, and it is not yet confirmed if everyone affected has been accounted for. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
4:58 Challenges in Identification: Due to the nature of the explosion and fire, forensic and DNA tests may be required to identify the deceased.
5:21 National Mourning Declared: Muhammad Yunus, leader of Bangladesh's interim government, announced a national day of mourning for Tuesday.