At least 20 people have been confirmed dead and 171 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school building in the Uttara area of Dhaka.
The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed the casualties in an official statement.
According to the ISPR, the pilot of the aircraft was among the deceased. The crash occurred shortly after 1:06 PM on Monday when the FT-7 BGI fighter jet took off from a nearby base and experienced a technical malfunction, leading to its crash into a two-story building of Milestone School and College in Diabari, Uttara.
Initial reports indicated 18 fatalities, but the number rose as more information became available throughout the evening. The latest update before 8 PM confirmed the death toll at 20, with 171 others injured.
The crash site was a two-story school building where several classrooms and the principal`s office were located.
At the time of the crash, classes for third, fourth, second, and fifth grades were either in session or had just concluded.
A coaching session was also underway. Witnesses reported that many students, and possibly some guardians, were present in the building when the aircraft struck.
The Fire Service and Civil Defence received the emergency call at approximately 1:08 PM. Nine firefighting units were dispatched to the site immediately, initiating fire suppression and rescue efforts.
The blaze was brought under control quickly, allowing emergency teams to focus on retrieving victims from the debris.
Victims were transported to several hospitals across Dhaka for treatment. Army personnel, police, and other emergency services assisted in the rescue operations, which were still ongoing as of Monday evening.
Authorities noted that many of the deceased have not yet been identified, and a significant number of victims are believed to be children.
Crowds gathered outside the crash site, with concerned citizens offering help. Ambulances were seen frequently leaving the school premises with the injured. Public appeals for blood donations were made to support the treatment of victims.
Authorities have indicated that the final number of casualties may rise further as recovery efforts continue.
A full assessment of the damage will be disclosed once rescue operations are complete.
