Bangladesh: Jet crash kills 27, including children, injuring at least 88

The death toll has risen to 27 after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a college and school campus in Dhaka on Monday. Government sources report that at least 88 people with burn injuries are currently receiving treatment in hospitals

The F-7 BGI aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, crashed shortly after takeoff at 1:06 pm local time on Monday from Kurmitola Air Base.

Military officials have attributed the crash to a mechanical failure.

Footage circulating on social media showed ongoing rescue operations amid charred buildings, with families of the victims gathered at the scene in grief.

🚨 BREAKING: Chinese-made F-7 fighter jet crashes into Milestone School, #Dhaka during class hours. 💥

Over 50 such crashes in #Bangladesh Air Force history.
Rescue ops underway.#bangladeshplanecrash pic.twitter.com/yjLswCWIe5

— अशोक सक्सेना (मोदी का परिवार) (@KumaraAsok29423) July 21, 2025

Sayedur Rehman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on Health, stated that at least 27 people, including 25 children, a teacher, and the pilot, lost their lives in the incident, while 88 others sustained burn injuries and are being treated in hospitals.

In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have declared a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and special prayers held across the country.

The F-7 BGI, considered the final and most advanced version of China’s Chengdu J-7/F-7 fighter series, was delivered to Bangladesh as part of a 2011 contract for 16 aircraft, completed by 2013, according to Jane’s Information Group.

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This incident came as neighbouring India is still grappling with the aftermath of the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade. 

Last month, an Air India aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, along with 19 individuals on the ground. Only one person survived the crash.