SANTOSTILO TRAINING JET CRASHES INTO SCHOOL CAMPUS IN BANGLADESH KILLING AT LEAST 19

TRAINING JET CRASHES INTO SCHOOL CAMPUS IN BANGLADESH, KILLING AT LEAST 19

A devastating tragedy struck southeastern Bangladesh on Wednesday when a military training jet crashed into a school campus, killing at least 19 people, including several children and school staff. The incident occurred in the Chattogram district, where the aircraft, belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force, went down during a routine training exercise.

Eyewitnesses reported a deafening explosion followed by plumes of smoke rising from the school grounds. The jet reportedly lost control mid-air and nose-dived into the school premises around 10:45 a.m. local time, when students were attending their morning classes. Several classrooms collapsed instantly under the force of the impact, trapping many under debris.

Emergency responders, including fire and rescue teams, rushed to the scene and began a frantic effort to pull survivors from the rubble. Rescue operations continued into the afternoon, with ambulances ferrying the injured to nearby hospitals. At least 40 others, most of them children, sustained varying degrees of injuries, some of them critical.

Officials from the Bangladesh Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was an FT-6 fighter trainer, a Chinese-built jet used for pilot training. The two pilots onboard attempted to eject from the aircraft but only one parachute was deployed in time. The fate of the second pilot remains unclear.

A preliminary investigation has been launched, with early reports suggesting a mechanical failure or navigational error could be responsible. The Ministry of Defence has ordered a full inquiry into the cause of the crash and grounded all training flights pending further review.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended her condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement from her office, she said, “This is a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation. Our thoughts are with the grieving families, and we will ensure they receive full support and compensation.”

Education Minister Dipu Moni visited the crash site and met with school officials, calling the tragedy “an unimaginable catastrophe” and announcing that all schools in the region would remain closed for three days in mourning.

Parents gathered in large numbers at the local hospitals and school grounds, many weeping and anxiously waiting for news of their children. “I heard a loud bang and rushed to the school. I saw fire and children screaming,” said Mohammad Jalal, a father whose son remains missing.

International reactions poured in, with condolences sent from neighboring , Pakistan, and several Southeast Asian nations. UNICEF released a statement mourning the loss of young lives and urging authorities to ensure the safety of educational institutions located near military training zones.

The crash has sparked debate over aviation safety standards in Bangladesh, especially concerning military aircraft and their proximity to densely populated areas. Advocates are calling for a reevaluation of flight training routes to avoid schools, hospitals, and residential zones in the future.

As rescue teams continue to search the wreckage, the death toll may rise. For now, the nation mourns a tragedy that turned an ordinary school day into one of the darkest moments in Bangladesh’s recent history.

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