Shocking Dhaka Crash: Eyewitness Describes Unforgettable Sound as Jet Flies Over

On July 21, 2025, a tragic event unfolded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when an Air Force training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College. The accident claimed at least 31 lives, with many victims being young children waiting for pick-up or heading to classes.

Ahnaf Bin Hasan, an 18-year-old student, vividly recalled the moment: “It felt like thunderbolts falling from the sky.” He was just feet away when the jet plummeted, causing an explosion that engulfed the school in chaos. “All I could see was smoke and darkness. Kids were screaming,” he said.

The plane had taken off just moments before but suffered a mechanical failure, forcing the pilot to eject before impact. Sadly, he later succumbed to injuries. “I saw him eject,” Ahnaf remembered. “His parachute opened, but he hit a roof hard on landing.”

As fire and smoke started spreading, Ahnaf jumped into action despite being terrified. He helped pull students out and clear paths for emergency responders. “I took off my shirt to help one boy who had lost everything in the blaze,” he shared, illustrating the bravery of countless students that day.

Among the deceased was 11-year-old Wakia Firdous Nidhi, who had walked to school like any other day. Her family faced the heartbreaking ordeal of identifying her by a dental feature, only to be delayed in receiving her body, highlighting the heavy toll on families amid bureaucratic challenges.

The aftermath stirred anger and confusion, with varying reports on death tolls. The government reported 29 deaths, while the military stated there were 31. Discussions around accountability and transparency in the incident grew heated, especially among parents and the community.

In a surprising twist, Mahreen Chowdhury, a teacher at the school, emerged as a hero. She risked her life by returning to the flames to rescue her students, ultimately suffering fatal injuries. Her sacrifice exemplified the courage found in moments of immense terror.

The sounds of that day linger in the minds of survivors. Ahnaf noted, “I haven’t slept for days,” the screams echoing in his ears. The area around the school, where planes regularly fly low due to proximity to the airport, now feels different. “We never thought something like this would happen,” he said, reflecting the sorrow and disbelief shared by many.

This tragedy raises questions about safety regulations near schools and residential areas, especially when jets frequently soar overhead. It serves as a painful reminder of the potential dangers that can impact even the most unsuspecting places.

In future discussions, it’s essential to weigh the balance between aviation operations and community safety. Lessons learned from such catastrophic events must lead to improved oversight and preventive measures.

For more information on aviation safety, visit The National Transportation Safety Board.

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