Healing bodies, hurting minds: Young survivors battle trauma after Milestone tragedy

Highlights

• Death toll hits 34 as another teen dies
• 33 patients, including 27 children, remain at the burn institute
• Special mental health services, hotlines launched for victims

Twelve-year-old Rafsi Akhter Rafia, a class four student injured in the tragic fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College, returned home on Sunday after receiving treatment. Though her physical condition is stable, she remains scared and has stopped talking.

Her father, Md Shamim, told The Business Standard, "She used to be very lively and full of mischief, but now she is completely silent. Even if I call her ten times, she might answer only once. She avoids talking. She also has a fever on and off and is taking medicine as the doctor advised."

"The doctors told us to talk to her and encourage her to do different activities. We are trying hard to help her feel better, but the fear does not go away. We will need to see a mental health specialist," he added.

Rafsi's older sister, a class nine student at Milestone School, left early on the day of the crash and narrowly escaped harm.

After the crash, her father found Rafsi's school bag but couldn't find her. Later, he saw a photo on Facebook showing Rafsi being treated at Uttara Crescent Hospital. The family has decided not to send Rafsi back to school yet.

Like Rafsi, Ayan Khan, another fourth grader injured in the crash, also came home from the hospital on Sunday. Ayan, the only child of his parents, suffered burns on both ears and hands.

His mother, Shanta Islam, told TBS, "Ayan still has burn wounds on his ears, but he is much better now. He seems normal. Our whole family is trying to keep his spirits up. We are not planning to send him back to school yet."

So far, four patients, including Rafsi and Ayan, have been discharged from the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery after treatment. Though their bodies are healing, they are still dealing with trauma. Mental health experts say psychological first aid is vital to help them recover and return to normal life.

Psychological first aid is crucial

Professor Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed, a specialist in child, adolescent, and family psychiatry, told TBS, "It is normal for people to feel psychological distress after a disaster or accident. But for children and teens, whose minds are still growing, trauma can affect them more deeply."

He warned that many develop a fear of going back to school, known as school phobia. "Overcoming this trauma needs psychological first aid—not just for those directly affected but also for those indirectly affected."

Dr Helal stressed, "It's important to show empathy, not pity. Feeling sorry for a child or giving too much sympathy can hurt their confidence. Instead, we should respect their feelings and support them with understanding."

On the role of parents and teachers, he said, "When children ask questions, we must answer honestly and in a way they can understand—not by giving false comfort. If they don't want to study for a day or two, or need time to get back to their normal routine, we should be patient and accepting."

To support those affected by the crash, the Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists and the National Institute of Mental Health have started a special mental health service. It operates daily from 10am to 1pm in Room 242 at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Mental health support is also available by phone through these hotlines— from 10am to 2pm, call 01835154341 or 01835155521; from 2pm to 6pm, call 01835153262 or 01835154340; and from 6pm to 10pm, call 01835153005 or 01835156262.

Death toll rises to 34 as another teen dies

The death toll from the Milestone School and College plane crash and fire has reached 34 after 14-year-old Shaheel Faravi Ayan died early yesterday with burns covering 40% of his body. Dr Shawon Bin Rahman, resident physician at the burn institute, confirmed this.

Professor Dr Md Nashir Uddin, director of the burn institute, said, "Right now, 33 patients are being treated here, including 27 children. On Sunday, two patients were on ventilators. Sadly, one of them has died. Now, 33 patients remain admitted, with three in critical condition and three in serious condition."

He shared some hopeful news, saying, "Three patients with moderate burns are well enough to go home soon. Because of the weather and their families' requests, they will be discharged after their next dressing."

One patient was also referred to the National Institute of Mental Health Hospital for further care.

On 21 July, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into the primary school building of Milestone College's Diabari campus in Uttara shortly after takeoff, causing a massive fire.

The plane, which departed from BAF Base Bir Uttom AK Khandker at 1:06pm, crashed due to a technical failure just before classes were to end. The pilot ejected safely but later died from his injuries at the Combined Military Hospital.

Air Force shows support to victims' families

Following orders from Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, chief of air staff of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), a BAF delegation met with families of several victims.

They visited the families of Fatema Akhter, Jarif Farhan, guardian of Afnan Faiyaj, and Rajani Islam, mother of class two student Jhum Islam.

The delegation inquired about the families' well-being, offered their deepest sympathy, and promised support in any needed way, according to an ISPR press release.

A separate team visited the grave of M Mahtab Rahman Bhuiyan, a class seven student who died in the crash, laying flowers and offering condolences.

The ISPR release stated that the Bangladesh Air Force stands with the people and is committed to providing the highest level of support.