Dhaka: The death toll from Monday's tragic fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara has climbed to 31 after two more children succumbed to their injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) this afternoon. The victims, 15-year-old Mahia and 12-year-old Mahatab, were being treated for severe burns. Mahia passed away around 4:30 pm, while Mahatab died earlier at 1:50 pm in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the burn institute.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Resident Surgeon of the NIBPS Shawon Bin Rahma confirmed that Mahia sustained 50 percent burns and Mahtab suffered 85 percent burns. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported that 51 injured individuals are still receiving treatment at various hospitals across the capital.
Rakib Hossain, a cousin of the deceased Mahatab, shared that Mahatab was a seventh-grade student at Milestone School and College. Mahatab's father, Minhazur Rahman Bhuiyan, resides in the Debidwar Thana area of Cumilla district.
With the deaths of Mahia and Mahatab, the number of fatalities at NIBPS has reached 13. Currently, 42 people, including seven with critical burn injuries, are undergoing treatment at the institute. Medical experts from Singapore General Hospital are assisting in the treatment of the burn victims.
The government published the names of 22 deceased individuals and 57 injured in the jet crash. Families have received 22 identified bodies, while six remain in hospital morgues awaiting DNA verification. The Combined Military Hospital holds six bodies, and Lubana General Hospital and Cardiac Centre holds one. The CID has identified five children through DNA testing.
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate Director Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury cautioned against rumors on social media regarding the death toll. He emphasized the importance of verifying information to understand the real situation.