Tech glitch behind: ISPR

Staff Reporter :

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate has stated that a technical malfunction shortly after take-off led to the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft in
Dhaka’s Diabari area on Monday.

According to the official statement, the F-7 BGI jet had departed from BAF Base Bashar (AK Khandaker) in Dhaka at 1:06pm as part of a routine training exercise.

Soon after take-off, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure, the specifics of which will be determined through a formal investigation.

In an attempt to prevent a major catastrophe, the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, reportedly made every effort to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas and towards a less inhabited zone.

Despite these efforts, the plane ultimately crashed into a two-storey building on the campus of Milestone School and College in Diabari, causing devastating consequences.

The incident claimed the lives of 19 people, including the pilot, and left 164 others injured.

The Bangladesh Air Force, with the assistance of helicopters and ambulances, has been actively involved in transferring the injured to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and other nearby healthcare facilities for urgent treatment.

The ISPR noted that the Bangladesh Air Force is profoundly saddened by the loss and is committed to ensuring comprehensive medical care and support for all those affected.

As the Chief of Air Staff is currently abroad on an official visit, the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), along with other senior officers and emergency response teams, is overseeing rescue and relief operations at the crash site.

A high-level investigation committee has already been formed by the Air Force to thoroughly examine the cause of the accident, the ISPR confirmed.