Dhaka, July 22, (V7N) – The death toll from the devastating plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara has risen to 27, authorities confirmed on Tuesday morning. Except for a pilot and a teacher, all the deceased were students, many of them in primary school.

Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, provided the latest updates at a media briefing. He said, “Eight people died at the National Burn Institute on Monday night. Five more are still in the ICU, and 78 people are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals in Dhaka — all of them in critical condition.”

He added that blood donations are urgently needed from today and called on volunteers to come forward. Dr. Sayedur also noted that six of the deceased bodies are yet to be identified.

The incident occurred on Monday (July 21) at approximately 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. The plane caught fire immediately after impact.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and chaos as the building, used for classes ranging from nursery to grade three, was filled with young children at the time. Approximately 100 to 150 students were present in the building when the plane crashed directly into it.

The accident happened just as the school day was ending. Teachers and students were caught off guard by the deafening noise and sudden blaze. Many parents rushed to the campus in a desperate attempt to locate their children.

Following the crash, rescue operations were quickly launched by units from the Fire Service, Army, Navy, and Air Force. The ISPR stated that the aircraft had taken off at 1:06 PM and was in the air for about 13 minutes before the fatal crash.

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

Additionally, special prayers are being held across the country's religious institutions for the victims and their families.

END/RH/AJ