Grief grows: Milestone crash toll rises to 33 as two more students die

The death toll from the tragic fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College rose to 33 today after two more students died from their injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Thirteen-year-old Makin, a class seven student, died around 1:05pm while being treated for 70% burn injuries. Dr Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the institute, confirmed his death. Makin was the younger of two siblings and the son of Md Mohsin, a businessman from Gazipur.

Earlier in the day, 10-year-old Tasnim Afroze Aiman died at 9:32am from 45% burns, Dr Shawon added. She was the daughter of Md Ismail Hossain and came from Shariatpur.

"We lost two children today. Their bodies have been handed over. Aiman will be buried in Shariatpur, where the civil surgeon will arrange the funeral. For Makin, the civil surgeon of Gazipur has been informed," said Prof Dr Mohammad Nashir Uddin, director of the burn institute, during a press conference today.

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 due to a technical failure.

The pilot ejected safely but later died from his injuries at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

Among those injured, 40 patients remain admitted at the burn institute, with five in critical condition.

"Right now, 10 patients are in the severe category, and 25 are in the intermediate category. Among the 25, 13 have been moved to cabins," Dr Nashir said.

"We hope to discharge four to five patients by tomorrow. Out of six patients on ventilators in the ICU, two are now able to breathe on their own. This is a sign of progress," he added.

Funerals and mourning

Raisa Moni, a third-grade student killed in the crash, was laid to rest in Faridpur today.

Her funeral prayer was held at 9am at the Eidgah grounds in Bajra village, Gopalpur union, Alfadanga upazila, followed by burial at the Bajra Hafizia Madrasa graveyard.

On Thursday night, her body was identified through DNA testing and brought to her ancestral home, where hundreds gathered to pay their last respects. Raisa was the daughter of Shahabul Sheikh and the middle child among three siblings.

Afshana Akhter Priya, 30, who went missing after the crash, was also identified via DNA testing and buried in her village today.

She had accompanied her son, Afsan Ohi, 9, to school on 21 July and was waiting in the parent's room when the crash occurred. While her son was found safe, Priya remained missing until her identity was confirmed through DNA samples given by her parents on 22 July at CMH.

Her brother-in-law, Hasibul Hasan, said her body was recovered from CMH on Wednesday and buried at 3am in Medi Ashulai village, Kaliakair upazila, Gazipur. Priya was the wife of Abdul Wahab Mridha, a businessman from the same village.

Int'l medical assistance

Medical teams from India, Singapore, and China have arrived in Dhaka to assist with treating the victims. The Indian team, which arrived on Wednesday, held detailed consultations with Bangladeshi health officials and doctors at the burn institute, reviewing critical cases and discussing treatment plans.

Two teams from Singapore also arrived—one on Wednesday and another late Thursday—to provide treatment and technical support alongside local experts.

Additionally, a Chinese medical team specialising in burn care, trauma, and intensive care arrived Thursday night to work closely with Bangladeshi specialists, offering professional and technical assistance.

Global condolences

Various diplomatic missions in London, including those from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Spain, Sri Lanka, Malta, Honduras, Poland, Hungary, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala, Greece, Mexico, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Ghana, Bahrain, Maldives, Togo, and Algeria, have expressed their heartfelt condolences following the tragedy.

A book of condolence was opened at the Bangladesh High Commission on Wednesday and Thursday to honour the victims and support their families. The deputy secretary-general of the Commonwealth and the International Crisis Group also extended their sympathies.

Diplomats conveyed their deepest condolences and solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh. The High Commission thanked all who showed support during this difficult time.