A Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into a school in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 170 others.

According to BBC News, the F-7 jet suffered a mechanical failure shortly after taking off for a training exercise at 1:00 p.m. local time. The aircraft struck the Milestone School and College in Uttara, a suburb of the capital, igniting a massive fire and causing widespread devastation.

The crash claimed the life of the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, who reportedly attempted to steer the jet away from populated areas. Many of the victims were schoolchildren, with the health ministry confirming that 17 of the deceased were students aged between 4 and 18.

Witnesses recall horrifying scenes

Eyewitnesses described the moment of the crash as chaotic and terrifying. Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the school, said he saw the jet hit the building directly. Another teacher, Masud Tarik, told Reuters he heard an explosion and saw flames and smoke engulf the area.

A year 10 student, who had just finished an exam, recounted the horrifying moment the plane struck. "I saw it happen right in front of my eyes," he said, adding that his best friend was among those killed.

Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue survivors from the rubble, while large crowds gathered to watch the efforts. Images from the scene showed firefighters sifting through charred debris as onlookers climbed nearby buildings to get a view.

Hospitals overwhelmed with victims

Hospitals across Dhaka were inundated with injured victims, many of whom suffered severe burns from jet fuel. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery reported that more than 50 people were in critical condition.

At Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, doctors treated numerous children aged 10 to 15, many with life-threatening injuries. Families anxiously waited for news of their loved ones, with some tragically discovering that their relatives had not survived.

One man, mourning the loss of his eight-year-old nephew, said, "My beloved nephew is in the morgue right now." His grief-stricken brother, the boy's father, repeatedly asked, "Where is my son?"

Government pledges investigation

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed his condolences and vowed to investigate the cause of the crash. In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Yunus said, "This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities, including the hospitals concerned, to deal with the situation with utmost importance."

The government declared a national day of mourning on Tuesday, with flags flown at half-mast across the country. An official investigation committee has been formed to determine the circumstances leading to the crash.