A Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) fighter jet crashed during a routine operation, killing 27 and injuring over 170 people. The accident occurred near a densely populated residential area, causing extensive damage on the ground and triggering widespread panic.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from the impact site. Several residential structures in the vicinity sustained damage, with windows shattered and rooftops caved in due to the impact force.
Authorities have confirmed that the ill-fated aircraft was part of a routine training sortie. However, shortly after takeoff, the jet lost control and crashed into a neighborhood near the outskirts of Dhaka.
Read More: Meghalaya issues 1,000+ challans in anti-smoking drive
Aircraft lost control mid-flight
According to the Bangladesh Air Force spokesperson, the fighter jet took off from Tejgaon Air Base at 9:30 AM. Within minutes, communication with the control tower was lost. Ground radars picked up erratic movements before the aircraft disappeared from screens completely.
The BAF confirmed that the aircraft was not armed with live ammunition. Still, the jet’s fuel tank exploded upon impact, amplifying the devastation. Emergency responders reached the site within minutes, but the intensity of the flames delayed rescue operations.
Local hospitals struggled to manage the influx of casualties. Many of the injured suffered severe burns, fractures, or head injuries. The Ministry of Health has dispatched additional medical teams and resources to assist hospitals in Dhaka.
Survivors recall terrifying moments
Several residents of the area described the terrifying ordeal. “I thought it was an earthquake. The ground shook violently,” said a local woman who narrowly escaped injury. “When I stepped outside, I saw flames engulfing a nearby house.”
Survivors are now being housed in temporary shelters, as at least 40 homes were either destroyed or deemed unsafe for living. Relief agencies and local volunteers have mobilized to provide food, water, and emotional support to affected families.
Government orders high-level probe
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow and ordered a thorough investigation. “This tragedy has shaken the nation. We will uncover the cause and ensure accountability,” she said during a press briefing.
A special committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Defence, Air Force, and Civil Aviation Authority has been set up to conduct a detailed probe. Preliminary investigations hint at a possible technical malfunction, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
This marks the worst aviation disaster in Bangladesh since the 2017 cargo plane incident, although that involved fewer casualties. The Defence Ministry emphasized that all BAF jets will undergo additional technical inspections in the coming days.
International support and condolences
Following the Bangladesh Air Force jet crash, global leaders offered condolences. India, the United States, and the United Nations released official statements expressing solidarity. The Indian Air Force extended technical assistance should it be required during the investigation.
Flight safety experts from several countries are also expected to be part of the inquiry. This international collaboration reflects the seriousness with which the crash is being treated.
Locals demand safer air operations
Residents living near military bases have long expressed concern about air traffic above their homes. Today’s incident has reignited those fears. Community leaders are calling for safer zoning regulations, especially regarding low-altitude flight paths near populated zones.
Activists say the Bangladesh Air Force must take extra precautions, especially during training flights. “We don’t want to wake up every day wondering if a jet will fall on our homes,” said a local councillor.
Mourning and national response
In response to the scale of the tragedy, the government has declared a national day of mourning. Flags flew at half-mast across all public institutions. Educational institutions in Dhaka observed a minute of silence as a mark of respect.
Psychological support teams have been deployed to help families cope with the trauma. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has also launched an emergency fund to aid in relief and rebuilding.
While the nation grieves, investigators are racing against time to retrieve the black box and determine the exact cause of the Bangladesh Air Force jet crash.
Read More: Over 10,000 Meth Tablets Seized in Mizoram’s Champhai