In brief
The horrific events unfolded as an F-7 fighter jet from the Bangladesh Air Force fell out of the sky during a training flight, crashing into the primary school amidst chaos, smoke, and screams from terrified students and staff.
The catastrophic incident occurred on Monday in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka when the F-7 fighter jet experienced mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. Eyewitness accounts detail horrifying scenes of chaos as the aircraft plummeted and struck the two-storey school building, which was filled with young students.Ahnaf Bin Hasan, an 18-year-old student who witnessed the crash, described it as an overwhelming experience akin to a thunderous explosion. "It was like 30 or 40 thunderbolts falling from the sky," he recounted, still trembling two days after the accident. Many students were in or around the school waiting for transportation at the time of the crash, and sadly, at least 31 people lost their lives, including children under 12.The aftermath of the incident revealed a scene of utter destruction, with smoke billowing from the remains of the building, and numerous bodies scattered. Ahnaf bravely assisted his peers, helping injured students escape the flames and chaos that ensued. "I saw a friend's body, torn apart. It looked like the plane had hit him before slamming into the building," he recalled.Families began searching for their loved ones immediately, leading to unimaginable heartache. One 11-year-old victim, Wakia Firdous Nidhi, was identified by her father, who spent a harrowing night visiting hospitals. "We know it's her," her uncle lamented, expressing frustration at the bureaucratic delays in recovering her body.Survivors described near-misses and courage amidst the tragedy; one mother recounted her child’s chance survival after he stepped out to buy food just before the impact. Another teacher, Mahreen Chowdhury, succumbed to the flames after rescuing students, and her heroism has been recognized amid the overwhelming grief.Local officials are grappling with the fallout of the incident, with conflicting reports surrounding the number of casualties and injuries—some claiming as many as 100 injured, while others emphasize the death toll remains at 31. Parents and survivors have voiced concerns about communication and transparency regarding the tragedy.As the community mourns, the trauma lingers for those who witnessed the crash. "Every time I look outside, I feel like a fighter jet is coming at me," said Ahnaf. The noise of the crash and the harrowing images haunt him, and many others, as they grapple with the impact of this devastating event. The Milestone School campus, once filled with laughter and life, now stands as a solemn reminder of the tragedy that unfolded.
