The death toll after the plane crash in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka stands at 27. By far the majority of the victims were students of a school where the plane crashed. 171 injured people had to be taken to the hospital.
25 of the fatalities were children who were at school at the time of the crash. The other two victims were a teacher and the pilot, writes news agency Reuters. Rescuers are still searching for victims at the crash site. The death toll may therefore rise further.
On Monday, an air force jet crashed during a training mission on the campus of Milestone School and College in the north of the metropolis.
The military plane crashed shortly after takeoff. According to the military, the aircraft had a “mechanical defect”. The crash caused a fire in the two-story building.
171 people, mainly victims with burns, were taken to the hospital by helicopter or ambulance, writes AP News based on officials.
The government declared a day of national mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast and special services are being held in all places of worship.