The pilot of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft that crashed into a school in Dhaka’s Uttaraon Monday, July 21, tried to steer the plane away from densely populated areas to minimize casualties, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Flight Lieutenant Md Tauqir Islam, the pilot of the FT-7 BGI fighter aircraft, attempted to manoeuvre the plane toward a less crowded zone after experiencing a mechanical fault shortly after take-off from Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker in Kurmitola at 1:06pm.

Despite his efforts, the plane crashed into a two-story building at Milestone School and College in Diyabari, Uttara, killing 19 people, including the pilot, and injuring 164 others.

The ISPR said the Bangladesh Air Force is deeply saddened by the incident and is providing all possible medical support to the injured. Rescue operations are ongoing with the help of air force helicopters, ambulances, the Army, police, and Fire Service.

The injured have been rushed to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and other nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

As part of the response, a high-level investigation committee has been formed by the Air Force to determine the cause of the crash.

Air Chief Marshal MA Samad, who is currently abroad on an official visit, is being kept updated, while Assistant Air Chief (Administration) and senior officials are overseeing operations from the crash site.

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and other top government and military officials have arrived at the scene.

The ISPR also confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine training mission when the mechanical failure occurred, leading to the uncontrolled crash.