A training jet belonging to the Bangladeshi Air Force crashed into a school building in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 164, according to the latest reports. Video from Milestone School and College in the northern neighborhood of Uttara shows a massive fire and dense smoke engulfing the two-story structure.
At around 13:00 local time (07:06 GMT), the F-7 jet had a mechanical issue after taking off for training exercises. The military stated that following the mechanical issue, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, the pilot, attempted to steer the aircraft to a less congested area. He had just taken off from the capital's air force base. The pilot was one of the people killed, according to a Facebook post by the military.
Reports state that over 164 people were hurt. Over 50 patients, including adults and children, were admitted to the hospital, according to a physician at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
People near the school, belonging to schools and colleges, recall what they saw. Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the college told BBC Bangla that he saw the plane “directly” hit the building.
Another teacher, Masud Tarik, recalled hearing an explosion and, upon turning around, seeing only fire and smoke, with many parents and children present at the time. A student also recounted witnessing the plane crash into the building right before his eyes.
Search and rescue efforts are still going on at the area, and the injured have been sent to local hospitals. The statement also stated that an inquiry committee has been established to examine the situation.
Viewers flocked to the top of nearby buildings to observe the massive crowds of onlookers as rescue personnel combed through the burned debris in an attempt to locate survivors.
The head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, stated that "necessary measures" will be made to "ensure all kinds of assistance" and investigate the incident's cause. The national flag of Bangladesh will be flown at half-mast in mourning on Tuesday.
