In brief
In a horrific turn of events, Year 10 student Farhan Hasan witnessed his friend's death as a training jet tragically crashed into Milestone School and College just after an examination.
Farhan Hasan, a Year 10 student at Milestone School and College, described the chilling moment when a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into his school, claiming at least 27 lives, including children and parents. The incident occurred shortly after 1 PM local time when the F-7 jet experienced a mechanical failure during a training flight. The aircraft hit a two-storey building, sparking a massive fire that engulfed the area. "I had just left the classroom with friends after an exam when the plane crashed," Farhan recounted in an interview with BBC Bangla, visibly shaken. "The burning plane was directly in front of me. My best friend died right in front of my eyes, as it went over his head and took many parents with it."Rescue operations were immediately initiated, with more than 30 ambulances rushing the injured, over 170 in total, to hospitals across Dhaka—including the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Many of the victims were minors, with ages ranging from nine to fourteen. The identities and phone calls from concerned victims' families added to the chaos as individuals frantically searched for their loved ones.Witnesses described an explosion and a cloud of smoke enveloping the neighborhood, with bystanders gathering to observe the tragic scene. Teachers also shared their harrowing experiences, recounting the moment the plane struck the building. "When I looked back, all I saw was fire and smoke," said teacher Masud Tarik.In the wake of the devastating event, the nation has declared a day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast to honor the victims. Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh's interim government, stated that "necessary measures" would be put in place to investigate the cause of the incident, expressing profound sorrow for the loss and a commitment to providing aid to those affected.An investigation committee has been formed to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, which reportedly occurred shortly after takeoff when the pilot attempted to redirect the jet away from the densely populated area. The tragic crash highlights critical concerns regarding aviation safety and its impact on communities.
