‘The Plane Flew Straight Into the School’ – Eyewitnesses Recount Horror of Dhaka Crash

As investigators continue piecing together what caused a Bangladeshi Air Force jet to crash into Milestone School and College in Dhaka, survivors and witnesses are speaking out, painting a harrowing picture of the moments the plane struck.

“I saw it fly straight into the building,” said a teacher who was just leaving the school’s Diabari campus when the F-7 BGI training aircraft slammed into the roof around 1:06 p.m. local time. “It was terrifying. The entire sky went black with smoke. We had no idea if our students were alive.”

Videos circulating on social media show thick plumes of black smoke rising over the Uttara neighborhood, flames licking the school’s upper floors, and parents running toward the chaos in panic. First responders, aided by Bangladesh Army troops and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units, are seen carrying injured children to safety.

‘A National Tragedy’

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister called the crash “a moment of deep sorrow for the nation,” offering condolences to the victims’ families and promising full government support. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), she said: “I wish the injured a speedy recovery and have instructed all relevant authorities and hospitals to prioritize emergency care.”

School officials confirmed the building was full at the time of the incident, with most students just finishing their final class before dismissal. “We were lucky it didn’t happen ten minutes earlier,” one administrator said.

Ongoing Investigation

The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the jet was an F-7 BGI used for advanced training missions. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Taukir Islam Sagar, reportedly did not eject. While his condition has not been disclosed, officials suggest he may have deliberately steered the jet away from a denser residential area in a final act of bravery.

As of this writing, at least 19 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 100 injured, many of them schoolchildren suffering from burns, fractures, or shock.

Community in Mourning

Outside the school gates, parents lit candles and left flowers. “My nephew is still in surgery,” one man said, choking back tears. “We just want answers. And we want this never to happen again.”

Authorities have promised a full inquiry, and military investigators are examining flight data and debris patterns. In the meantime, classes at Milestone School have been suspended indefinitely.