“Flames Over the Classroom: Bangladeshi Air Force Jet Crashes into School, 19 Dead, Nation in Mourning”
Dhaka, Bangladesh – July 21, 2025:
A quiet Monday afternoon turned into a horrifying nightmare for students and teachers at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara neighborhood, as a Chinese-origin F-7 fighter jet of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed directly into the school campus, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and despair. As of now, 19 people — including several children — have been confirmed dead, and over 100 others are injured, many critically.
The impact was so severe that several classrooms were instantly engulfed in flames, with students trapped under debris and burning wreckage. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “hell on Earth,” with screams of children, smoke, and fire overwhelming the area.
A Routine Flight Turned Deadly!
According to the Bangladesh Air Force, the ill-fated F-7 jet took off from a military base at 1:06 PM for a routine training exercise. However, just 24 minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost control and nosedived into the heart of the busy school compound at approximately 1:30 PM.The F-7 jet, a Chinese copy of the Soviet-era MiG-21, has previously faced criticism over safety concerns due to its outdated design and aging mechanics. Military officials have launched an investigation into the crash, with early reports suggesting a possible technical failure.
Class in Session: The Moment of Impact!
At the time of the crash, several classes were underway with hundreds of students present in the building. The jet struck the lower floor of a two-storey classroom block where primary school students were studying.
“I saw the plane coming directly toward us,” said Faheem Hussain, a Grade 11 student who witnessed the crash from mere feet away. “It hit the building with a deafening explosion. Within seconds, everything was burning. My friends were screaming… some didn’t make it out.”
Many of the bodies recovered from the site are charred beyond recognition, complicating the identification process. Emergency services are relying on DNA testing and medical records for confirmation.
Emergency Response: Nation Mobilizes for Rescue!
The crash triggered an immediate and massive response. Units from the Bangladesh Army, Border Guards (BGB), Air Force, Fire Service, and Police were dispatched within minutes to begin rescue operations. Three full BGB units have been stationed in Uttara to assist in crowd control and evacuation efforts.National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute has been designated as the central treatment center for the wounded, many of whom are suffering from third-degree burns and smoke inhalation. The hospital has activated emergency protocols and issued a helpline (01949-043697) for family members seeking information.
A Nation in Grief: State Mourning Declared!
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the government of Bangladesh has announced a one-day national mourning on Tuesday. The national flag will fly at half-mast across all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions. Similar tributes will be observed in all Bangladeshi embassies and missions abroad.Religious institutions across the country will hold special prayer sessions for the souls of the departed and for the swift recovery of the injured.
“This is a day of unbearable sorrow for the entire nation,” said Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus in an official statement. “My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in this terrible accident. We stand with them in this hour of grief.”
Parents in Panic, School in Ruins!
Outside the school gates, dozens of devastated parents gathered, some desperately searching for news of their children. Many had to be physically restrained as they attempted to rush past police barricades to find their sons and daughters.The school building has suffered extensive damage and has been declared structurally unsafe. Education authorities have suspended all classes indefinitely and ordered safety audits for other schools located near military zones.
Public Outrage and Questions Over Aircraft Safety!
While the nation mourns, anger is simmering over how a decades-old aircraft, often labeled as unreliable, continues to be in operation. The F-7 fleet has been involved in multiple crashes over the past decade, raising alarm bells among defense analysts.
“This crash is not just a tragic accident, it’s a warning,” said retired Air Commodore Harun Al Rashid. “We are playing with lives when we continue to fly outdated and overused aircraft in densely populated urban zones.”
Investigation Underway!
The Bangladesh Air Force has formed a high-level board of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Initial reports will be submitted within seven days, and a full report is expected in the coming weeks. Authorities have promised that those found guilty of negligence — if any — will be held accountable.
