'India Stands In Solidarity With Bangladesh': PM Modi Expresses 'Deep Shock' As 19 Killed In Dhaka Air Crash
A Bangladesh Air Force F7 aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone College in Dhaka's Uttara on Monday, killing at least 19 and leaving 164 others injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, saying he is "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: "Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured."
"India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance," he added.
The Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed shortly after take-off from BAF Base Bangabandhu in Kurmitola of Dhaka. It had took off at 1:06 PM as part of a routine training, but encountered a technical malfunction, leading to its crash.
According to a press release by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam, attempted to steer the fighter aircraft away from densely populated areas. However, the aircraft crashed into a two-storey building of the college in Dhaka. The pilot is among those killed in the crash, The Daily Star reported.
The injured were transported to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and nearby hospitals for necessary treatment, with assistance from Air Force helicopters and ambulances.
A total of 16 rescue personnel, including 14 from the army, were injured during the rescue operations. The injured also included one police officer and one firefighter. They are now being treated at the CHM in Dhaka, The Daily Star reported citing a notificatoion of the Bangladesh Army.
The Bangladesh Air Force also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash and assured it was providing all necessary support to the victims.
The ISPR release also noted that a high-level investigation committee has been formed by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the exact cause of the crash.
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