Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the deadly crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training jet at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area, which left at least 19 people dead, most of them students.

In a condolence message on Monday evening (July 21), Modi said, “Deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic aircraft accident in Dhaka that resulted in the loss of several lives, many of them young students. Our hearts go out to the grieving families. We pray for the swift recovery of the injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to offer all possible assistance and cooperation.”

At least 20 people, including the pilot of the F-7 BGI training aircraft, were killed when the jet crashed onto the campus of Milestone School and College around 1:18pm on Monday (July 21). 171 were injured and are receiving treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

The Government of Bangladesh declared Tuesday (July 22) a national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half-mast at all government offices, educational institutions, and Bangladeshi missions abroad. Special prayers were also held in religious institutions for the deceased and injured.

MSK/