The tragic event occurred when the Chinese-manufactured F-7 BGI Bangladesh Air Force jet suffered mechanical failure and crashed into the school, trapping students in the fire and debris. As government officials visited the crash site, students demanded an accurate death toll and questioned why the tragedy occurred.
Protests escalated as students broke through the main gate of the federal government secretariat, demanding the resignation of the education adviser. Police responded by using tear gas and baton-charging the protesters, leaving many injured.
Rescue workers continued to search for debris in the charred buildings as distressed residents looked on. Parents mourned the loss of their children, with some sharing miraculous stories of survival.
The military stated that 31 people died and 165 were admitted to hospitals, with 68 still receiving medical care and 10 in critical condition. The government declared a day of mourning, with flags at half-mast and special prayers held.
Protesting students called for the victims to be named, the decommissioning of old jets, and a change in air force training procedures. The government vowed to work with authorities to publish a list of victims and implement safety measures.
The tragic crash of the F-7 BGI jet shed light on the risks associated with operating older aircraft. As investigations continue, the country mourns the loss of innocent lives and calls for accountability in the aviation sector.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in aviation and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.