Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet into Milestone School and College in Uttara’s Diyabari area on Monday, which killed 19 people, including young students, and injured 164.

In a statement issued at 8:36pm, Modi conveyed India’s solidarity and offered assistance to Bangladesh as the nation grapples with the disaster.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka,” Modi said. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”

The crash, occurring at 1:30pm after the jet’s 1:06pm take-off from Kurmitola’s Air Force Base AK Khandaker, struck the school’s Haider Hall canteen, sparking a fire that devastated the junior section. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate reported 19 deaths and 164 injured being treated in six hospitals, with 70 at the National Burn Institute (2 dead) and 14 at the Combined Military Hospital (11 dead).