Dhaka, July 22, (V7N) – The death toll from the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft at Milestone School and College in Uttara has risen to 27, with nearly all the victims being students. Only a pilot and a teacher were among the deceased who were not students.

As the nation mourns, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of the deceased. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed expressed deep grief over the loss of young lives, describing the incident as a national tragedy. As a mark of respect, the Supreme Court closed all proceedings after 1 PM on Tuesday.

In response to the catastrophe, the government declared a one-day state mourning on Tuesday (July 22). The national flag is being flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, educational institutions, and Bangladeshi missions abroad.

Additionally, special prayers are being held across religious places of worship in the country for the victims and the injured.

The crash occurred on Monday (July 21) at around 1:18 PM, when an F-7 BGI training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the Haider Ali building of Milestone School and College in Diyabari, Uttara, setting off a devastating fire and chaos. Most of the victims were junior school students.

Authorities, including the fire service, army, navy, and air force, launched an immediate rescue operation. Dozens remain critically injured and are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Dhaka.

END/RH/AJ