At least 26 injured in plane crash in Uttara, rescue work underway

A Bangladesh Air Force training plane crashed on the campus of Milestone College in Uttara in the capital on Monday afternoon. Panic spread all around the scene. Within moments, the college premises caught fire, and the entire area was covered in smoke.
According to initial information, at least 26 people, including women and children, were seriously burned in the incident. Locals said that as soon as the plane crashed, the fire spread to a building next to the campus. Classes were going on at that time, and several students were playing outside. They were burned due to the intensity of the fire.
Upon receiving the news of the incident, at least seven fire service units quickly reached the scene and began attempting to control the fire. Air Force and police members also participated in the rescue work. The burned victims were quickly sent to the burn units of various hospitals in the capital.
An eyewitness student said, “I suddenly heard a sound and ran outside. I saw some people screaming in the fire. Panic was everywhere. Someone was pulled out, but his body was completely burned.”
An Air Force spokesperson said that the aircraft lost control due to a mechanical fault during training. The pilot tried to move the plane away from a populated area at the last minute, but it crashed into the college premises. The pilot was seriously injured and was taken to CMH for advanced treatment.
Police and army personnel have cordoned off the entire area after the accident. There is extreme anxiety among teachers, students, and parents present on the campus. It is learnt that the police also resorted to a lathi charge to prevent the crowd of eager people from gathering at the spot.
An expert team of the Air Force has collected the debris from the spot. It is initially believed that the accident occurred due to engine failure. However, an investigation committee has been formed to provide details.
The condition of several of the burnt victims is critical. The atmosphere at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital has become heavy with the wailing of relatives. The father of an injured student said,
“My daughter went to college in the morning, and now most of her body is burnt. We don’t know if she will survive.”
Several fire service units remained at the scene until evening due to the smoke. Officials said rescue operations were still underway.
Number of injured: At least 26
Most of the burnt victims: Students
Rescue operations: Ongoing
The incident has cast a shadow of mourning over the Uttara area.