Death toll in Bangladesh Air Force jet crash rises to 27

The death toll in the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training fighter jet into a school building in Dhaka increased to 27 on Tuesday, authorities said. The fighter jet crashed into a school, resulting in the death of several students and staff of the institution.

 

While 20 deaths were reported initially, the death toll increased after seven more persons grievously injured in the crash succumbed to their injuries overnight. Bangladesh authorities also confirmed the death of the fighter jet's pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam, on Monday.

 

The Chinese-manufactured F-7 BGI aircraft, a training fighter jet, experienced a "mechanical fault" moments after takeoff and crashed into the two-storey building of Milestone School and College at Diabari in Dhaka's Uttara area on Monday.  

 

 

Saidur Rahman, special adviser to Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, said 25 among the deceased were school children. About 170 people suffered injuries in the strike, and most of them are said to be critical. Rahman said the mortal remains of 20 people killed in the crash have been handed over to families, and the identities of others are being confirmed. He urged the public not to crowd hospitals. 

 

 

According to Bangladesh's Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the FT-7BGI fighter jet crashed soon after it took off from an Air Force base a few kilometres away from Milestone School and College. "The fighter jet took off from Kurmitola Air Base at 1.06pm on Monday and crashed minutes later into a two-storey school building at 1.18pm due to a mechanical failure," ISPR said.

 

The Bangladesh government has declared a state day of mourning for Tuesday in memory of those affected by the crash. Special prayers will be organised at all places of religious worship in the country for the injured and the dead.

 

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that a high-level investigation committee has been formed to probe the incident. 

World