In brief
In a horrific accident yesterday, a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 171 injuries, according to officials. The Bangladesh military reported that the crash was attributed to mechanical failure. The school, located near Dhaka’s international airport and a military air base, serves students from elementary through high school. Among the injured, many were children with 25 in critical condition.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene, with one high school student, Emon Islam, recounting seeing the jet engulfed in flames and billowing black smoke shortly after the crash. The aircraft had taken off from a nearby military base and struck the second floor of the school, impacting classrooms filled with third and fourth graders. The pilot tragically lost his life in the incident, reportedly attempting to steer the plane away from densely populated areas.As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the fate of the young victims and their families remains a pressing concern. Recovery efforts are ongoing as officials investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The nation's interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, has expressed deep condolences and pledged support for the affected families during this difficult time.
