Milestone School and College Plane Crash: A Country in Grief

Milestone School and College Plane Crash: A Nation Mourns a Tragic Episode

✈️ The Day of Tragedy: What Occurred

On Monday, July 21, 2025, between 1:10 PM and 1:15 PM, a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 BGI training aircraft tragically collided with the main building of Milestone School and College in Diabari, Uttara, Dhaka.

The aircraft encountered a severe technical failure shortly after its departure from Bir Uttam AK Khandaker Airbase. Although the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Towkir Islam, successfully ejected, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries at CMH.

The plane impacted the school just after classes had concluded, resulting in numerous children, parents, and teachers suffering from serious burns. A considerable number of the injured are still battling for their lives.

☠️ Casualties and the Injured

The crash led to at least 20 deaths, including 17 children and the pilot. More than 171 individuals sustained injuries, many with burns covering between 5% and 100% of their bodies. Among the injured, 9 are currently in the ICU, and over 25 are in critical condition.

📍 Hospitals Treating the Injured:

National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (70 individuals)

CMH (17 individuals)

Dhaka Medical College Hospital (3 individuals)

The remaining injured are being treated at Lubana Hospital, Uttara Adhunik Hospital, Kurmitola Hospital, Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, and various other medical facilities.

🔥 Rescue and Administrative Response

Immediately following the crash, the Fire Service, Army, BGB, and Police rushed to the site.

Nine units worked diligently to control the fire.

Six ambulances promptly transported the injured to medical facilities.

The fire was fully extinguished by 2:45 PM.

A government committee has been established to investigate the incident.

🧒 Eyewitness Accounts

Naimul Hasan Adit, a student, recounted, “I witnessed the plane initially strike the college building before crashing into the primary section. The pilot descended with a parachute, and that was when the fire began to spread.”

Nuru Zaman Mridha, a teacher, shared, “We personally transported many of the burned children to the hospital using rickshaws and vans. Some had their clothing torn, while others managed to walk on their own despite their burns.”

📌 Building Structure (where the plane crashed):

1st Floor: Classrooms designated for 3rd and 4th graders.

2nd Floor: Classrooms for 2nd and 5th graders, the headmaster's office, a meeting room, and a coaching center.

Even though school had just been dismissed, numerous teachers remained in their offices or on the school grounds, and many of them were among the injured.

📢 Student Protests and Public Outcry

Initiated by the students of Milestone School and College, extensive protests erupted throughout the city immediately following the crash.

Their demands encompassed:

Ensuring aviation safety.

Retiring outdated and hazardous aircraft.

Initiating an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation.

Students across the nation expressed solidarity, and the general public articulated their anger and frustration on social media.

🗳️ Political and Administrative Reactions

The incident swiftly became a focal point of discussion among political parties. Various leaders extended their condolences, some called for immediate and transparent investigations, while others sought to politicize the tragedy.

On the administrative side, high-ranking officials held briefings to update the public regarding the situation and the government's response, aiming to reassure the public despite the scale of the disaster often leading to skepticism.

Unfortunately, opportunistic actions were noted during the turmoil. Allegations surfaced that certain local shopkeepers and CNG auto-rickshaw drivers took advantage of the urgent demand for water and transportation, imposing exorbitant fees, which incited public anger and revealed a troubling aspect of human nature in times of crisis.

🩸 A Beacon of Humanity and Heroism

In spite of the destruction, the calamity also gave rise to remarkable displays of bravery and kindness.

Numerous ordinary individuals and students generously donated blood for the wounded, showcasing an extraordinary sense of unity and solidarity.

Community members promptly assisted in transporting the injured to medical facilities.

Among these courageous individuals, Mehrin, a teacher at Milestone School and College, stood out as a true emblem of valor. She gave her life to save 20 children. Despite suffering burns on 80% of her body, she remained with her students until her final moments. Her selfless deed elevated her to the status of a national hero and inspired many others.

⚖️ Demands and the Path Forward

The steadfast call for justice and accountability led to various groups, including student organizations and public welfare entities, surrounding the Secretariat.

These impactful demonstrations compelled the government to take decisive actions:

Retire outdated and unsafe aircraft.

Guarantee secure air routes.

Conduct a comprehensive investigation and enforce stricter aviation safety regulations.

The message was unmistakable: the public seeks answers and sustainable solutions to avert such a disaster from occurring again.

✅ Conclusion

The plane crash involving Milestone School and College transcends a mere tragic event; it represents a pivotal moment that has unveiled systemic problems and underscored the unyielding spirit of a nation united in sorrow and determination. As the investigation progresses and the community copes with the repercussions, the remembrance of those who perished and the insights gained from this calamity will certainly influence the future of aviation safety and public accountability in Bangladesh. We must ensure that no more schools are engulfed in flames.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)❓ 

Q1: What was the primary cause of the Milestone School and College plane crash?

A: Although the investigation is still in progress, preliminary reports suggest that a technical malfunction (such as engine failure) was the main cause.

Q2: How did students respond to this tragedy?

A: Students, especially those from Milestone School and College, organized significant protests and surrounded the Secretariat, calling for accountability and enhanced safety measures.

Q3: Who was Mehrin, and what role did she play in this tragedy?

A: Mehrin was a teacher at Milestone School and College who heroically gave her life to save 20 children during the incident.

Q4: What actions did the public take to assist the victims?

A: Numerous ordinary citizens and students generously donated blood and offered other volunteer support to aid the injured.

📢 Call to Action (CTA)

What are your reflections on this tragic occurrence? We invite you to share your views and let us know what measures you think are essential to avert such incidents in the future.

👉 Comment, share, and engage in the discussion using #SafeSkyBD and #MilestoneTragedy. Let us remain vigilant, unite, and advocate for change!

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