The death toll from Monday’s jet crash at Milestone School and College in Dhaka has climbed to 27, with officials confirming that 25 of the victims were children, many under the age of 12.
At a press briefing on Tuesday morning, Professor Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant for health and family welfare to the chief adviser, said that 78 people were injured in the crash and are receiving treatment at various hospitals. Five of them remain in critical condition at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
“Among the deceased, 25 are children. The others are the pilot of the aircraft and a female schoolteacher,” Rahman said. He added that 20 of the deceased have been identified and their bodies handed over to their families.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a training aircraft crashed directly into the school building during class hours, sparking a fire that quickly engulfed multiple classrooms. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Security measures at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery have been tightened following the arrival of large crowds of relatives and onlookers. Army personnel have been deployed to manage access and assist with crowd control.
The Bangladesh government has assured full support to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered her condolences and directed authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured.
Classes at Milestone School and College remain suspended, and a formal inquiry is underway to determine the cause and accountability behind the incident
