Dhaka, July 22, (V7N) – The tragic death toll from the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara has risen to 25, as five more victims succumbed to their injuries at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, resident surgeon at the institute, confirmed the deaths of the five minors on Tuesday (July 22). The deceased were identified as Bappi (9), Erikson (13), Aryan (13), Nazia (14), and Shayan Yusuf (14), bringing the total number of deaths at the burn institute to nine.

A total of 171 people have been hospitalized following the accident. Among the 44 admitted to the burn institute, 20 remain in critical condition.

The incident occurred on Monday (July 21) around 1:18 PM, when an F-7 BGI model training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a junior section building of Milestone School and College in Diyabari, Uttara. The plane caught fire immediately after impact.

According to eyewitnesses and school officials, the building housed students from nursery to class three, and approximately 100 to 150 students were present during the crash. The accident happened just before the school day ended, causing panic among students and staff. Parents rushed to the site upon hearing the news.

Rescue operations were swiftly initiated by units from the Fire Service, Army, Air Force, and Navy. The aircraft reportedly took off at 1:06 PM and was airborne for only 13 minutes before the crash, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In response to the national tragedy, the Government of Bangladesh has declared Tuesday (July 22) as a day of national mourning. The national flag is being flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and Bangladeshi missions abroad. Special prayers are also being held across religious establishments throughout the country for the deceased and the injured.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, while the nation grieves one of the deadliest peacetime aviation incidents involving civilians in recent memory.

END/RH/AJ