Pilot tried his best to minimise civilian casualties and damage: ISPR on Uttara plane crash

Pilot of the crashed plane, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam, made his highest effort to take the aircraft toward a less populated area to minimise civilian casualties and damage, said a media release of Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR).

However, the jet tragically crashed into a two-storey building of Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Dhaka, leaving 19 people killed and 164 injured, UNB reports citing the release.

The Bangladesh Air Force FT-7 BGI fighter jet crashed on Monday at 1:06 pm shortly after take-off from BAF Base in Kurmitola, Dhaka, as part of a routine training exercise.

The aircraft reportedly experienced a technical malfunction, the details of which will be determined through an official investigation.

According to initial reports, 19 people, including the pilot, were killed and 164 others were injured, said ISPR.

The injured are being swiftly transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka and nearby medical facilities with the assistance of Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and ambulances, it said.

The Bangladesh Air Force has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is actively engaged in ensuring medical treatment and all possible support for the victims.

As the Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan is currently abroad on an official visit, the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), senior Air Force officials and rescue teams have reached the crash site.

The Chief of Army Staff, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and senior military and government officials were also present at the spot.

Personnel from the Army, Air Force, Police, RAB, and Fire Service are conducting joint rescue operations at the crash site and making every effort to stabilise the situation.

A high-level inquiry committee from the Air Force, has already been formed to investigate the reason behind the accident.