Uttara: The death toll in the Air Force (BAF) FT-7 fighter aircraft crash into a Milestone School building in Uttara soared to 31 while the number of injured was 165. The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate disclosed this in a press release today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health and Family Welfare, announced at a press briefing that 25 children, a pilot, and two teachers were among the deceased. He mentioned that 20 bodies have been handed over to families and urged the public not to crowd hospitals. He also noted that there is a need for only a few blood donors with negative blood groups.
Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum visited the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, accompanied by Dr. Rahman, who informed the media that 43 people are receiving treatment there. A team of expert physicians from Singapore is expected to arrive to possibly adjust treatment procedures.
The focal point for updated casualty information reported that 27 bodies have been identified. Among those handed over to families were children and a teacher from the Milestone School and College. Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, the pilot, was laid to rest in Rajshahi after a funeral attended by many, including service personnel and officials.
The ISPR confirmed 171 injuries from the crash, including two firefighters who are now out of danger. The rescue operation concluded at 8:30 pm on Monday. The crash was due to a mechanical fault after the jet took off from Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker. The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas.
A high-level investigation by the Air Force is underway. In response to the crash, the government postponed HSC examinations and others under the National University. An emergency hotline has been set up at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed condolences and ensured an investigation and proper treatment for the injured. Public and private hospitals have been instructed to provide free treatment. The Chief Adviser's press wing refuted rumors of information concealment, stating that all deceased identities are being verified, with DNA tests for those unidentifiable.