A military F-7 BGI training aircraft from the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Daca on the morning of July 21, 2025, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 100. The accident occurred in the Uttara neighborhood at 1:18 p.m. local time (4:18 a.m. Brasília time), just 12 minutes after takeoff. The plane struck the college’s cafeteria, triggering a massive fire that sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Rescue teams, including firefighters and military personnel, worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and save victims, many of whom were students aged 14 to 20. Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus vowed a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
The crash sparked panic among students, parents, and staff at the scene. Footage showed chaotic scenes, with people fleeing from the fire and smoke. The impact destroyed part of the building, damaging railings and structures, and complicated rescue efforts due to intense heat.
- Initial impacts:
- At least 19 confirmed deaths, with potential for more.
- Over 100 injured, many with severe burns.
- Partial destruction of the Milestone School and College cafeteria.
Accident details
The aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI fighter jet, was used for military training and belonged to the Bangladesh Air Force. It took off from a nearby base at 1:06 p.m. local time but lost contact with the control tower minutes later. Witnesses reported hearing a deafening roar followed by an explosion, marking the moment of impact with the cafeteria. The fire, fueled by the plane’s fuel, spread rapidly, hindering immediate access for emergency teams.
The pilot, Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among the fatalities. Authorities have not yet confirmed if other crew members were onboard, but most victims were students and staff at the institution. Dr. Akash, deputy director of Uttara Modern Hospital, reported that 120 people suffered second- and third-degree burns, some affecting up to 70% of their bodies.
Authorities and rescue response
Emergency teams, including the Army and Daca Fire Service, were deployed immediately after the crash. Ambulances rushed dozens of injured to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and the Combined Military Hospital. Rescue operations faced challenges due to the fire’s intensity and the damaged building structure.
- Immediate actions by authorities:
- National mourning declared until July 22.
- Over 100 firefighters and soldiers mobilized to the site.
- National flag at half-mast in government institutions.
- Muhammad Yunus pledged support for victims’ families.
Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the irreparable loss to the nation. He announced an investigation to determine the crash’s cause, focusing on possible mechanical failures or human error.
Local community reactions
Residents of Uttara described scenes of panic and confusion. Masud Tarik, a teacher at Milestone School and College, was at the gate when he heard the plane approaching. “It happened so fast. I saw fire and smoke, and everyone was in despair,” he said. Parents rushing to pick up their children fled to safety, while others tried to assist in the rescue.
The academic community at Milestone School and College was devastated. Students who escaped unharmed described chaotic scenes, with peers trapped in debris and others crying for help. The institution suspended activities and is providing psychological support to victims and their families.
History of air accidents in the region
The Daca crash comes just over a month after another air disaster in the region, when an Air India Boeing 787 crashed into a medical college dormitory in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, killing 241 onboard and 19 on the ground. That incident, the deadliest air disaster in a decade, raised concerns about aviation safety in South Asia.
- Other recent regional accidents:
- June 12, 2025: Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, India, with 260 deaths.
- January 15, 2025: Yeti Airlines crash in Nepal, with 72 deaths.
- March 21, 2025: Boeing 737 crash in China, with 132 fatalities.
While the cause of the Bangladesh crash remains unclear, experts note that military training aircraft like the F-7 BGI can pose risks due to their age and intensive use in exercises.
Aviation safety concerns
The F-7 BGI crash reignites debates about military aircraft maintenance and safety protocols in urban areas. The F-7, a variant of the Chinese J-7 fighter, is known for its durability but has been linked to mechanical failures in other countries. The Bangladesh Air Force has not yet released details about the aircraft’s maintenance history, but public pressure for transparency is expected to grow.
The government faces the challenge of addressing the tragedy amid public outcry. The proximity of the Milestone School and College to a military base also raises questions about flight paths for training missions.
- Safety measures under discussion:
- Review of flight routes over densely populated urban areas.
- Rigorous inspection of military training aircraft fleets.
- Enhanced emergency protocols for institutions near airbases.
Support for victims and investigations
Daca authorities announced an emergency fund to support victims’ families, including medical and psychological assistance. Hospitals in the capital are operating at full capacity to treat the injured, many of whom remain in critical condition. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery reported that most admitted patients have extensive burns, requiring long-term care.
The investigation into the F-7 BGI crash will be conducted by a joint team from the Air Force and the government, with support from international experts. The aircraft’s black boxes, which record flight data and communications, have been recovered and will be analyzed to determine whether the crash resulted from mechanical failure, human error, or other factors.
Post-tragedy scenario
Milestone School and College, one of Daca’s most prominent institutions, remains closed as authorities assess structural damage to the affected building. The academic community is holding vigils in memory of the victims, while parents and students demand answers about safety near military bases.
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief on social media, with thousands of messages of solidarity and calls for justice. Community leaders and student organizations are planning peaceful demonstrations to demand transparency in the investigations and measures to prevent future accidents.
- Community initiatives:
- Vigils in memory of victims in Daca and other cities.
- Support groups for affected families.
- Push for aviation safety reforms.
- Online campaigns to raise funds for the injured.
The Daca tragedy marks one of the worst air accidents in Bangladesh in decades, leaving a profound impact on the capital and reigniting discussions about safety and urban planning. Investigations are expected to provide answers in the coming months, but for now, the nation mourns the lives lost.
