The clear blue sky over Uttara Zone became a canvas of horror on July 21, 2025. Shortly after midday nearly at 1:20 PM, a training aircraft tragically crashed into a building of the Uttara Milestone School and College, shattering the midday calm and the lives of students.
The devastating accident has so far claimed the lives of 31 people, a majority of them children and adolescents, and left 165 injured.
The sight of classmates’ lifeless, burnt bodies and the sounds of their desperate cries have inflicted a deep, invisible wound on the survivors!
Even those who were not physically present, who were safe at home on that fateful Tuesday, are shrouded in a heavy cloak of grief.
The empty seats in their classrooms are a stark reminder of the friends they will never see again. This tragedy has cast a long shadow, not just over the students of Uttara Milestone School and College, but over the entire nation’s kids, school-goers who have been exposed to the heart-wrenching images and stories through media coverage, different news outlets, social media, and TV channels. The collective shock has given way to a profound mental health crisis, a trauma that demands immediate and sustained concerted attention.
Major traumatic events leave an indelible mark on the psyche of all who witness them, but for children, tender-hearted adolescent kids, the impact can be particularly devastating and long-lasting.
The developing minds of children and adolescents are more vulnerable to the severe stress caused by such horrific experiences. Exposure to trauma can alter brain construction, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation and stress response. This can lead to a heightened risk of developing mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later in life.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster and wreckage gripped, children may experience acute stress, frequent disorder, brief psychosis, panic attacks, anxiety, and an abnormal sense of grief. For some, these symptoms may evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression within weeks or months. The memories of such a traumatic event can remain with a child for a long time, potentially leading to personality problems in the future.
In the wake of such a catastrophe, providing immediate psychological support is as critical as medical attention. This initial intervention, often referred to as Psychological First Aid (PFA), aims to reduce immediate distress and foster coping mechanisms.
The first and foremost step is to ensure the child feels safe. This involves removing them from the scene of the trauma and providing a secure and comforting environment. Simple acts of comfort, such as a warm blanket, a calm voice, and the presence of a trusted adult, can have a profound impact on a distressed child in this mentally rugged situation.
Children may exhibit a range of intense emotions. It is vital to help them calm down and orient themselves. Facilitating contact with family members and friends provides a crucial sense of connection and support.
Honesty is important, but information should be delivered in a way that a child can comprehend without being re-traumatized. Avoid euphemisms like “went to sleep” when discussing death. Allowing children to make small decisions, like what to eat or what game to play, can help restore a sense of control that was lost during the traumatic event.
The journey to healing from such a profound trauma is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires a concerted and sustained effort from parents, schools, and the community. Parents are the primary source of comfort and security for a child. It is substantial for them to spend quality time with children, listen to their fears and concerns without judgment, and be patient with their recovery process.
Creating a safe space for children to express their feelings, whether through talking, drawing, writing, or playing. Re-establishing daily routines can provide a sense of stability and normalcy in a world that feels chaotic. Shielding children from repetitive and graphic news coverage of the tragedy to prevent re-traumatization. Children learn by observing adults. Therefore, it’s imperative for parents, guardians to manage their stress and grief in a healthy way.
Learning seats can be a vital sanctuary for healing and recovery. Schools should foster a climate of empathy and understanding, where students feel safe to share their feelings. Integrating mental health professionals into the school system is crucial to identify and support students who are struggling.
This can include individual and group counseling sessions. Training educators to recognize the signs of trauma and respond appropriately is essential.
Academic pressure and accomplishing lessons should be eased for learners who are grieving and traumatized. Encouraging students to support one another can create a strong sense of community and shared healing.
The response to this tragedy must extend beyond individual families and schools. Community members, leaders, social workers, and community organizations all have a role to play. Making mental health resources accessible to all affected families is paramount. While acknowledging the immense pain, it is also important to focus on the holistic strength and resilience of the community
The path to healing for the children of Uttara tragedy will be long and arduous. The physical scars may fade, but the emotional wounds will require time, patience, and a dedicated, compassionate support system to mend. By working together, we can help these young minds navigate the darkness of their trauma and emerge into a future where the sky is once again a symbol of aspiration, not a vacuum, and horror.
(The writer is an educator and social worker).
Wares Ali Khan
