Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash Kills 19 at Dhaka College Campus

A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka’s northern Uttara neighborhood on Monday, July 21, 2025, killing at least 19 person and injuring several others. The incident, which occurred shortly after the jet took off at 1:06 PM local time (0706 GMT), sparked panic as students were attending classes or taking tests.

Details of the Incident
The Chinese-made F-7 BGI jet crashed near the college’s main gate, with initial reports suggesting it struck the roof of the campus canteen, causing a fire and significant damage. Videos showed thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site, with firefighters spraying water on the mangled wreckage, which left a gaping hole in a building’s structure. A teacher, Masud Tarik, recounted hearing an explosion and seeing fire and smoke while picking up his children at the school gate. Over 50 people, including students and adults, were hospitalized with burns, with many taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and other facilities like Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Response and Aftermath
Rescue operations involving the Bangladesh Army, Fire Service, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) began swiftly, with nine firefighting units controlling the blaze by 2:45 PM. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, expressed “deep sorrow” and declared a one-day state mourning on July 22, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast. An emergency hotline (01949-043697) was activated at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery to assist victims. Yunus promised a thorough investigation into the crash’s cause and full support for those affected.

Context and Significance
The crash, which occurred at a campus with approximately 2,000 students from elementary to twelfth grade, follows a deadly Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, last month, which killed 260 people. The cause of the F-7 BGI’s crash remains unclear, with no official statement on the pilot’s condition or whether they ejected. The incident has heightened concerns about aviation safety in densely populated areas.

Developing Story
Rescue efforts continue as authorities work to confirm the full extent of casualties and damage. For updates and insights, visit GeoKHub.

Note: Casualty figures and details are based on initial reports from fire services and local media, with verification ongoing due to the chaotic nature of the incident.