The two-story building was packed with students attending afternoon classes when the BAF F7 jet struck due to what has been described as a mechanical fault. The pilot attempted to steer the plane away from densely populated areas, aiming for a less inhabited zone. However, the aircraft ultimately hit the school campus, resulting in severe destruction. The pilot was among those who lost their lives.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where smoke and fire engulfed the wreckage. The government declared a national day of mourning and arranged for special prayers in memory of the victims. Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman, a special assistant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, confirmed that 25 of the deceased were children and that 78 people are being treated at various hospitals across Dhaka.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Scenes of devastation followed the crash, as parents, students, and teachers witnessed the horror unfold. Masud Tarik, a teacher at the school, was near the gate picking up his children when he heard a loud explosion. Turning around, he saw nothing but fire and smoke. Many others described similar scenes of chaos and fear.
Sixteen-year-old Rafiqa Taha, a student at Milestone, expressed her shock, saying she could not believe her school was the crash site. The school caters to students from ages 4 to 18, as stated on its website. Videos from the area showed emergency workers battling the flames, with bystanders gathered around. Inside hospitals, the situation was equally grim. Injured students were seen with severe burns, and family members described the trauma of seeing children with skin torn off due to the intensity of the fire.
A young girl, speaking from her hospital bed, recalled seeing many fellow students charred as they tried to escape. Families rushed their loved ones to nearby hospitals in search of urgent medical attention.
Nation in Grief and Global Support
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed sorrow over the tragedy, stating that the entire nation is mourning. He urged all hospitals and authorities to prioritise the care of the injured and called it a moment of profound national pain.
Support and condolences have poured in from neighbouring countries, including messages from the prime ministers of India and Pakistan, showing solidarity with Bangladesh during this difficult time.
Authorities have started an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and prevent such a disaster from happening again.
