By GhanaNewsPage 
A tragic incident struck the heart of Dhaka today as a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into a college campus while classes were in session.
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The crash, involving a Made-in-China F-7 aircraft, has left the nation in shock and mourning, with at least 19 confirmed dead and over 70 others injured, many critically.
The jet, part of the aging fleet of the Bangladesh Air Force, plummeted into the academic facility unexpectedly, turning an ordinary school day into a horrifying disaster scene. Students, staff, and bystanders were caught in the chaos as the aircraft tore through part of the building before erupting in flames.
Deadly Crash During Class Hours
Eyewitness reports reveal the crash occurred mid-morning while lectures and classes were actively in progress. Many students were seated in their classrooms when they heard a sudden, deafening noise followed by an explosion. Within seconds, flames and thick black smoke engulfed portions of the college compound.
One survivor described the scene: “There was a loud whistling sound, and then the sky turned black. The explosion was so powerful it threw some of us to the ground. We ran in every direction, trying to find cover.”
Emergency responders, firefighters, and military officials rushed to the scene, but the devastation was already extensive. Bodies were pulled from rubble, and multiple injured individuals were transported to six different hospitals across Dhaka for urgent treatment.
Over 70 Injured, Hospitals Overwhelmed
Health officials confirmed that over 70 people sustained injuries, many with severe burns, broken bones, or internal trauma. Several victims are in critical condition, and medical teams have called for emergency blood donations.
Six major hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Kurmitola General Hospital, are working tirelessly to treat the wounded. Authorities have asked residents to avoid crowding the hospital areas unless they are donating blood or assisting with relief efforts.
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Made-in-China F-7 Fighter Jet: A Controversial Aircraft
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Chinese-manufactured F-7 fighter jet, part of Bangladesh’s long-standing defense arrangement with China. The F-7, an export variant of the Soviet-era MiG-21, has been used by several nations over the years but has increasingly drawn criticism due to its aging design and safety concerns.
Defense analysts and aviation experts have repeatedly expressed concerns over the reliability of these older jets. Today’s tragic event may once again spark debate about the operational status of such aircraft and their continued use in training and routine missions.
National Outcry and Demands for Accountability
News of the crash has triggered widespread public outrage and grief. Social media platforms are flooded with videos and photos from the crash site, with citizens demanding accountability and a comprehensive review of military aviation safety.
Political leaders, including members of parliament and the opposition, have called for an independent investigation into the cause of the crash. There are growing questions about whether the aircraft was undergoing maintenance issues, pilot error, or a technical malfunction.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is expected to visit the victims and the site of the crash, and a formal statement from the Air Force is anticipated in the coming hours.
Eyewitnesses Recount Moments of Terror
Several students who survived the crash have come forward to recount their terrifying experience. A third-year student stated: “I saw debris falling from the sky. Within seconds, a loud blast shook the entire building. Smoke filled the rooms. Some of my friends didn’t make it out.”
Other witnesses nearby reported seeing the jet flying unusually low before it spiraled out of control. Some claim the pilot tried to steer the aircraft away from a larger section of the campus to minimize casualties — a move that, while brave, could not prevent the unfolding catastrophe.
Investigation Underway, Flight Data to Be Recovered
Military officials have sealed off the crash site and begun investigating the black box and other flight data recording equipment. A high-level inquiry board has been formed to determine the precise cause of the crash.
Preliminary reports suggest the pilot may have issued a distress call before the crash. Whether he attempted to eject or was killed on impact is yet to be officially confirmed.
A Nation in Mourning
As Bangladesh mourns the loss of 19 innocent lives, flags across government buildings may be flown at half-mast in remembrance of the victims. Vigils are being planned in Dhaka and across the country as citizens come to grips with the magnitude of this tragedy.
Today’s disaster not only highlights a major military aviation safety issue but also underscores the urgent need for infrastructure checks near populated areas. The government now faces mounting pressure to ensure such a catastrophe never occurs again.
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