Reason why rescue operations at Milestone were delayed

The official rescue operation at the crash site of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in Dhaka’s Uttara Milestone School and College concluded on Monday night. Fire service personnel wrapped up their work and returned to their stations around 8:30 PM. The rescue mission was carried out under tight security by multiple agencies with high levels of skill and professionalism. However, many locals expressed frustration over the delay in starting the rescue operation. Some even claimed that if the operation had started earlier, the death toll might have been lower.

When asked about the delay, the on-duty officer at the Fire Service control room told Views Bangladesh that the overwhelming crowd of onlookers significantly hampered the rescue efforts.

Locals alleged that as soon as the Air Force’s training aircraft crashed, a large number of curious people rushed to the site, creating a chaotic crowd around the wreckage. As a result, rescue teams were unable to reach the site promptly.

One firefighter present at the scene said, “We wanted to begin rescue operations quickly, but the crowd was so dense that it became extremely difficult for ambulances and rescue equipment to get through. Many people were busy taking photos and videos, repeatedly interrupting our efforts.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft was circling in the sky for a while before suddenly descending. Within seconds, it crashed into an open field with a deafening sound. The impact shook the surroundings, filling the air with smoke and the stench of burning fuel.

Immediately after the crash, personnel from the fire service, army, air force rescue teams, and various volunteer organizations rushed to the scene.

On-site observations showed that local authorities repeatedly used loudspeakers to request the public to maintain a safe distance, but many ignored the pleas.

Rahman Hossain, a volunteer who was among the first to reach the scene, told Views Bangladesh, “Right now, hospitals nearby need volunteers the most. But instead of heading there, people are crowding the crash site, seriously disrupting the rescue operation.”

Local volunteer Kazi Zakaria tirelessly used a handheld megaphone to urge people, “Please move to one side. Give space to fire service teams and ambulances.” Despite his repeated appeals, few responded. Many remained preoccupied with live streaming or recording videos on their phones.

Disappointed by such irresponsible behavior, volunteers lamented that if people can’t act sensibly even in such emergencies, conducting rescue operations in times of disaster will become even more difficult.

Fire service personnel stated that in incidents like these, the crowd of onlookers not only hinders rescue efforts but also increases the risk of further casualties.

On Monday afternoon, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed on the primary campus of Milestone School and College in Diabari. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 20 people, including the pilot, and injured at least 171 others. In response, a one-day state mourning was declared for Tuesday.