Death toll in Bangladesh fighter jet crash climbs to 29; Indian medical team to assist in Dhaka

The devastating Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crash that struck Dhaka on Monday has claimed 29 lives, with many more fighting for survival. The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, confirmed the updated toll on Wednesday. The Chinese-made F-7 BJI aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka shortly after take-off, resulting in one of the worst aviation disasters in the country’s history.

A report shared by the chief adviser revealed that 69 people remain hospitalised, many with severe burn injuries and critical conditions. Among the dead are several schoolchildren who were attending classes when the fighter jet crashed into the building.

Indian medical team to assist victims

In the aftermath of the tragedy, India has stepped forward to offer medical support. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has confirmed that a specialised medical team from India will visit Bangladesh to provide assistance to the injured, particularly burn victims. This gesture comes as part of India’s ongoing humanitarian cooperation with its neighbouring countries.

The crash, which killed dozens and injured hundreds, shocked the entire region. Many victims are being treated in multiple hospitals in Dhaka. Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering from burns, fractures, and trauma-related injuries.

This tragedy comes just over a month after India faced a similar aviation disaster when an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people after it went down into a medical college campus moments after take-off.

Technical failure suspected

According to the Bangladesh military, the fighter jet experienced a “technical and mechanical failure”, which caused the crash just minutes after it took off at 1:06 pm (local time). An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the failure.

The F-7 BJI aircraft, a Chinese-made training fighter jet, had been in service for years. Experts believe that the incident has raised serious questions about maintenance practices and the safety of older fighter jets. Until the probe is completed, the Bangladeshi Air Force is reviewing its operational protocols for similar aircraft.

Following the tragedy, Muhammad Yunus declared Tuesday as a day of national mourning. The country observed silence and paid homage to the victims of the crash. “The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as the broader community, is irreparable,” Yunus said in a heartfelt message.

Families of the victims are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Survivors and witnesses have shared harrowing accounts of the crash. “My best friend died in front of me. I still can’t believe what I saw,” a grieving student told reporters.

Horror at the school campus

The Milestone School and College campus turned into a scene of chaos and devastation after the fighter jet struck the building. Fire broke out almost instantly, trapping many students and staff members. Emergency teams rushed to the spot, but the extent of damage and the intensity of the fire made rescue operations extremely challenging.

Many survivors are now recounting the moments of fear. “There was fire everywhere. We didn’t know where to run,” a teacher said while describing the panic that followed. Several of the injured remain in critical condition, with doctors working round the clock to save lives.

The crash has prompted an urgent aviation safety review in Bangladesh. Preliminary reports suggest that engine failure or a technical malfunction might have been the reason for the crash. The government has ordered a high-level inquiry to examine the maintenance records of the aircraft and the training protocols followed by the pilots.

Aviation experts say the F-7 series, though reliable in the past, may now require upgrades or replacements to ensure safer operations. The tragedy has renewed calls for modernising the air fleet and improving aviation infrastructure.

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The international community has expressed condolences and support for Bangladesh. Several neighbouring countries, including India, have offered medical aid and assistance. The Indian medical team’s visit is expected to help ease the burden on Bangladeshi hospitals, which are struggling to treat the large number of injured people.

Muhammad Yunus also thanked India for extending timely help. “We deeply appreciate India’s support during this difficult time,” he said.

Families demand accountability

Families of the victims have demanded answers and accountability from the authorities. Parents of students who died in the crash are calling for compensation and strict action against those responsible for maintenance and safety checks of the aircraft.

Several civil rights groups have also criticised the lack of emergency preparedness in crowded urban areas, highlighting that schools and residential zones need better safety measures, especially near airports and air force bases.

As Bangladesh mourns, rescue and relief operations continue. Authorities are providing financial support to the families of the victims and counselling to students who survived the horrific event.

The crash will likely leave a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s aviation policies, with a stronger focus on safety, aircraft maintenance, and urban planning near sensitive aviation zones.