The death toll in the horrific fighter jet crash near Milestone College in Diyabari, Uttara area of the capital, is rising at an alarming rate. A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed directly into the college building on Monday (July 21) afternoon.
An intelligence source in the armed forces told The Daily Campus that the death toll in the accident is increasing and the situation is so dire that the death toll could cross 100 in the next 3 to 7 days or in some cases within a month. The source also said that the jet entered the building from one side and exited from the other, which further increased the risk of death as most of the victims were children and adolescents, whose weak immune systems have increased the risk of death.
Death toll and condition of the injured
According to the latest information available so far—
- Dead: 19 people (including the pilot)
- Injured: More than 150, many of whom are in critical condition and undergoing treatment at various hospitals including Dhaka Medical College, Uttara Modern Hospital, and National Burn Institute.
- According to experts, the death toll may increase further due to the high risk of fluid loss and infection in children.
After the plane crashed, fire spread from the fuel tank, causing a huge fire in the building and the surrounding area. At the time of the incident, about 150 students were studying in the building and many were also staying in the surrounding area.
Read more: Squadron Leader Taukir’s First Solo Flight Ends in Tragedy
Relatives’ plea to find missing students
Many students have been missing since the incident.
- Prothom Alo newspaper’s special correspondent Salim Zahid is looking for his son Sayer.
- Leon Mir, the father of third-grade student Fatima, came on Facebook Live and cried for his son. However, according to the latest information, Fatima has been found.
List of injured undergoing treatment
The identities of 36 people admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery have been revealed, including—
Shamim Yusuf (14), Mahin (15), Abid (17), Rafi Barua (21), Sayem (12), Sayem Yusuf (14), Muntaha (11), Nafi (10), Mehreen (12), Ayman (10), Zaena (13), Emon (17), Rohan (14), Abid (09), Ashraf (37), Yusha (11), Payel (12), Albera (10), Tasmia (15), Mahiya (13), Ayan (14), Fayaz (14), Masuma (38), Mahata (14), Shamim (17), Zakir (55), Niloy (14), Samia (14), Arian (12), Tawfiq (13), Nusrat (13), Tanvir Ahmed (13) (killed).
Out of 4 people admitted to Dhaka Medical College, 2 died: Rayyan (14), Junaid (11) (killed), Zarif (12), Sabuja Begum (40).
Hospital-wise statistics of injuries and deaths (according to ISPR sources):
- Kuwait Friendship Hospital: 8 injured
- Burn Institute: 70 injured, 2 killed
- CMH-Dhaka: 14 injured, 11 killed
- Kurmitola General Hospital: 2 killed
- Lubna General Hospital and Cardiac Center, Uttara: 11 injured, 2 killed
- Uttara Modern Hospital: 60 injured, 1 killed
- Uttara Crescent Hospital: 1 injured, no killed
Cause of accident and investigation
Multiple units of the fire service and administration are still carrying out rescue operations. The cause of the accident is not yet certain. It is initially believed that the plane crashed due to a mechanical failure during take-off.
Nationwide Mourning and State Declaration
The horrific accident has cast a shadow of deep mourning across the country, including the capital. A day-long state mourning has been declared on Tuesday (July 22). The concerned officials have been instructed to provide prompt rescue operations and medical assistance.
Source: The Daily Campus
