At least 19 people have been killed and 164 injured after a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into a school campus in Dhaka. The incident occurred at Milestone School and College in Uttara, where footage shows a massive fire and thick smoke billowing from a two-storey building hit by the aircraft.

According to a statement by the armed forces on Facebook, the F-7 jet developed a mechanical fault shortly after taking off for a training exercise at around 13:00 local time (07:06 GMT). The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among the fatalities. The statement noted that he had attempted to steer the aircraft away from populated areas before the crash.

Over 50 victims, including children, were taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with severe burns. The school caters to students aged between four and 18. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation, with teachers and students recounting the moment the plane struck.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams combing through the wreckage. An investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash. Images from the site show emergency workers sifting through charred debris as large crowds watch from surrounding buildings.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu conveyed condolences following the crash, extending heartfelt prayers for the victims and their families.