'My friend died right in front of me': Student describes moment air force jet crashed into school

A tragic event took place at Milestone School and College in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into the school campus. Farhan Hasan, a Year 10 student, had just finished his exam and was chatting with friends when the disaster struck. He described seeing the burning plane hit the building right in front of his eyes. The crash killed at least 31 people and injured more than 160 others, including many students and parents who were at the school to pick up their children at the end of the school day.

The accident happened just after 1 pm local time. The F-7 jet, which was on a training exercise, experienced a mechanical fault shortly after taking off from a nearby air force base. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among those who died in the crash. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion and then seeing fire and thick smoke coming from the school building. Teachers and students ran for safety, while parents and guardians who were waiting for their children were caught in the chaos.

Emergency services responded quickly, with firefighters working to put out the flames and ambulances rushing the injured to hospitals. At least 30 ambulances were seen at the scene, and more than 50 people, including many children, were taken to the hospital with burns. Most of the injured were between the ages of nine and fourteen. The health ministry reported that seven hospitals across Dhaka were treating victims from the crash.

The tragedy brought together the community, with many people coming forward to donate blood for the injured. Politicians from major parties visited the hospitals to show their support. The government declared a day of mourning, with the national flag flown at half-mast. Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh's interim government, promised a full investigation into the cause of the crash and said that all necessary help would be given to the victims and their families.

According to the armed forces, the pilot tried to steer the jet toward a less populated area after the mechanical problem began, but he was unable to avoid the school. The crash site quickly filled with crowds of people, some searching for loved ones and others trying to help. Rescue workers removed rubble and debris, looking for survivors and recovering bodies.

Families of the victims gathered at hospitals, many in tears and desperate for news. Shah Alam, the uncle of a Year 8 student who died, said his nephew was now in the morgue, and his father was too upset to speak. The accident has left a deep mark on the community, with many children and parents among the victims.

The government has set up an investigation committee to find out what caused the crash. The incident has raised questions about the safety of training flights near populated areas. As the country mourns, people are hoping for answers and for steps to be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. The loss of so many young lives has shocked the nation, and support is pouring in from all over Bangladesh.