At least 20 people have been confirmed dead and 170 injured after a military training jet crashed and exploded on a school campus in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on Monday.
The Bangladesh Air Force’s training aircraft reportedly caught fire and exploded near the Milestone School and College in Uttara. Video footage from the site shows thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash area, causing panic in the vicinity.
Over 50 injured individuals were rushed to the hospital while still bleeding. Many of the deceased are reported to be students who were on their way home after school. Among the injured, 17 are children.
Students aged between 4 to 18 years were present at the school during the time of the incident.
According to a statement issued by the military administration, the aircraft was being flown by Mohammad Tawkir Islam, who was conducting a routine training flight. The pilot reportedly attempted to avoid densely populated areas when the aircraft malfunctioned.
An official investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash.
The Uttara Modern Medical College Hospital confirmed that most of the injured children are between the ages of 10 and 15. Several injuries were caused by the ignition of jet fuel during the explosion.
Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations while the school remains closed until further notice.
