ISPR says Air Force training jet crashed due to technical malfunction
"The Bangladesh Air Force is deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and is actively engaged in providing full medical care and overall support to the victims," it said.
A Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft (F-7 BGI) crashed into a building inside the Milestone College campus at Diabari in the capital's Uttara today (21 July) after experiencing a technical malfunction shortly after take-off, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
"The aircraft had departed from the Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker in Dhaka at 1:06pm as part of a routine training exercise. Shortly after take-off, the jet encountered a mechanical failure, the exact nature of which will be determined through a formal investigation," the ISPR said in a statement.
"To prevent a major disaster and minimise damage, the pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, made every possible effort to steer the plane away from densely populated areas toward a sparsely populated zone. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed into a two-storey building of Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Diabari area in an unexpected accident," adds the statement.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
A high-level investigation committee of the Air Force has already been formed to determine the cause of the crash, ISPR said.
At least 20 people, including the pilot, lost their lives and 164 others were injured in the incident, according to ISPR.
"All the injured are being swiftly transferred to the Combined Military Hospital and nearby hospitals with the assistance of Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and ambulances for necessary medical treatment.
"The Bangladesh Air Force is deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and is actively engaged in providing full medical care and overall support to the victims," ISPR said.
"As the Chief of Air Staff is currently abroad on an official visit, the Assistant Chief of Air Staff [Administration], senior Air Force officials, and rescue teams are present at the crash site. The Chief of Army Staff, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, as well as senior military and government officials, were also present.
"Personnel from the Army, Air Force, Police, RAB, and Fire Service are continuing rescue operations at the site and are making all-out efforts to bring the situation under control," reads the statement.
