The Milestone School and College Authority has issued a statement regarding the fatal jet crash on its campus on Monday that killed many students and guardians.
According to the statement, the crash took the lives of 18 students, two teachers, and two guardians, however, five people are still missing, including three students and two guardians. Besides, 51 people, including 40 students and seven teachers, were seriously injured, mostly burnt, the statement added.
The school authority disclosed the details on Thursday in a press release signed by Mohammad Ziaul Alam, principal of the educational institution.
“On July 21, between approximately 1:12PM and 1:14PM, a Bangladesh Air Force FT-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into the two-story building of the Milestone School and College campus during regular training,” the official statement said.
It also said, “The school just finished at 1PM, so only a small number of students were waiting for their guardians. It was during this time that this tragic accident occurred.”
The suddenness of the incident left the school authorities stunned and speechless. Immediately, teachers, students, staff, and local residents rushed to participate in rescue efforts. Almost simultaneously, trained personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Fire Service, Air Force, Navy, Police, and RAB collectively took part in the rescue operations, risking their own lives, according to the press release.
The Milestone authorities further stated, “With heavy hearts, we report that in this tragic accident, 18 students, two teachers, and two guardians from our school branch lost their lives. At least 51 people were seriously injured, including 40 students, seven teachers, a guardian, a caretaker, and a peon. So far, five are still missing, including 3 students and 2 guardians.”
It was also mentioned that on July 22, Milestone School and College formed an investigation committee regarding the incident. Following this, the authorities are only presenting data about those killed, injured, and missing in the institution. Updates on the information are ongoing.
The total casualties are reported by ISPR. We express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of the victims in this heartbreaking tragedy. The Milestone authority remains fully committed to supporting the injured with medical treatment and all other necessary needs.
In this extreme grief of losing our students and children, the chief advisor of the caretaker government, other advisors, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, BNCC, Rover Scouts, Red Crescent, guardians, local residents, and the entire nation have stood beside us, the press release says.
It further states, “Everyone came forward from their positions with sympathy, compassion, and support. The Directorate General of Health Services and Bangladesh Air Force arranged advanced and proper treatment for the seriously injured. The Air Force formed an emergency cell to coordinate treatment and service activities in this regard.”
From the very beginning of the accident until now, we also express our deep gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and institutions who extended humanitarian support in rescue, communication, services, and medical care.
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