Tragedy Strikes Dhaka: Fighter Jet Crash Claims Lives of Schoolchildren

The recent crash of a Bangladeshi fighter jet into a primary school has left at least 31 dead, mainly children. Survivors recount the horrors of that day, filled with chaos and brave acts of heroism, while families navigate the aftermath of incredible loss.

The sound of chaos and despair echoed through the Milestone School and College in Dhaka as a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into its two-storey building during a training flight. Eyewitness Ahnaf Bin Hasan described the terrifying moment when the jet appeared to thunder overhead and smashed into the school, causing catastrophic damage and claiming at least 31 lives, predominantly schoolchildren aged 12 and younger.

At the time of the incident, the schoolyard was bustling as students awaited pickups or enjoyed snacks. Ahnaf, just 30 feet from impact, recounted the pandemonium—thick smoke swirled around him, and the air filled with the terrified screams of his peers. "All I could see was smoke, fire, and darkness. Everything was chaos," he recalled.

The tragic event is marked as one of Bangladesh's deadliest aviation disasters, with the pilot reportedly ejecting moments before the crash, only to later succumb to injuries. Witnesses observed him fall and hoped for his recovery, but the reality on the ground was dire.

Ahnaf's quick instincts led him to help those trapped. Despite suffering burns from falling debris, he assisted others, showing remarkable courage in a moment of unimaginable horror. Amidst the wreckage, he faced heart-wrenching sights, including the body of a younger student who had been struck down.

One family is marked by profound loss; 11-year-old Wakia Firdous Nidhi, who had left for school like any other day, perished in the incident. Her uncle recounted the frantic search for her, underscoring the anguish of navigating bureaucracy to identify and retrieve her remains amidst multiple claimants.

Stories of near-misses also emerged, like that of a mother who opted to give her child money for snacks rather than packing lunch—a decision that spared his life. Yet, others faced the agony of loss multiple times; one father buried his daughter only to learn hours later that his son had also succumbed to injuries.

Amidst acts of heroism, a brave teacher, Mahreen Chowdhury, perished after rescuing students from the flames, illustrating the selflessness displayed on that chaotic day.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, questions about the crash and government responses remain. The reports of casualties vary, reflecting confusion and concern over the events’ implications. Meanwhile, survivors like Ahnaf are left dealing with lasting trauma, haunted by the memories of smoke, screams, and loss.

"Every time I look outside, I feel like a fighter jet is coming at me," he shared, illustrating the psychological scars that will linger long after the smoke has cleared. The Milestone School community, once lively with the laughter of children, now grapples with an overwhelming grief that will echo through its halls for years to come.