Bangladesh plane crash: 19 including pilot dead, 100 injured as Air Force jet crashes in Dhaka college
A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed on a college campus in Dhaka on Monday, resulting in one fatality
At least 19 people, including the pilot, died and 100 were injured on Monday as a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed on a college campus in Dhaka, reported The Daily Star, quoting Shahjahan Shikder, media officer of Bangladesh Fire Services and Civil Defence. The report further stated that Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, the pilot of the Air Force training jet, has died in the crash.
He also said that between 100 and 150 people were injured in the incident, adding that the pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of the Combined Military Hospital.
Yunus consoles deaths
The Chief Advisor of Bangladesh condoled the deaths. “I express my deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident of casualties caused by the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BJI training aircraft at the Milestone School and College campus in the Diabari area of the capital today.”
“The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others affected by this accident, is irreparable. This is a moment of profound pain for the nation. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and direct all concerned authorities, including hospitals, to address the situation with the utmost priority,” he added.
Yunus also said that the government would take necessary measures to investigate the cause of the accident and ensure all forms of assistance.
BGB deployed
According to media reports, three platoons have been pressed into service to assist in law enforcement and rescue operations, the officials at the BGB headquarters said.
The reports further stated that an emergency hotline has been launched at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. The authorities said that the hotline number is 01949-043697.
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One-day state mourning
The interim government in Bangladesh has declared a one-day state mourning day, which will be observed on Tuesday. The national flag of the country will be flown at half-mast at government, semi-government and educational institutions in the country.
The report further stated that one of the deaths was confirmed by Dr Bazlur Rahman, deputy director of Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital.
Dr Abhijit, an official of the institute, said that another person had died in the incident and over 50 patients with burn injuries have so far arrived at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery following the crash.
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Class VI student among dead
The report further stated that a student of Class VI was brought dead to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, according to Prof Bidhan Sarker, head of the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery at DMC.
“After providing primary treatment, around 60 injured were referred to the burn institute, while 25 with minor injuries are receiving treatment here," added Dr Bazlur of Uttara Adhunik Hospital as quoted in the report.
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Aircraft took off at 1.06pm
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the aircraft took off at 1.06 pm and crashed at 1.30 pm, reported The Daily Star. Following the incident, Bangladesh Army personnel, eight fire engines and Civil Defence personnel rushed to the spot.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman had also visited the spot earlier in the day, reported The Daily Star.
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The backdrop
According to an AP report, the crash took place in northern Dhaka and the aircraft crashed onto the campus of Milestone School and College, in Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhood, where children were present. Television footage showed fire and smoke billowing from the site of the crash.
Jamuna TV reported that at least 13 people, including students, were injured. Fire and rescuers from the military arrived at the scene.
The Bangladesh Army’s public relations office confirmed in a brief statement that the downed F-7 BGI aircraft belonged to the Air Force. Fire official Lima Khanam stated by phone that at least one person died and four others were injured, though she did not provide further details.