The Bangladeshi military said an F-7 BGI air force plane took off for a training mission at 1 PM today and crashed shortly after into the Milestone school in the Uttara area of Dhaka, bursting into flames.

The pilot and at least 15 other people at the school were killed, and more than 100 were injured. Local media reported most of the victims were students.

Parents and local residents rushed to the school in a panic, using any available means to transport the victims to the hospital.

Firefighters at the scene of the fighter jet crash in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 21/7. Photo: AP

Firefighters at the scene of the fighter jet crash in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 21/7. Photo: AP

Rafiqa Taha, a student at Milestone school, said the school has about 2,000 students, from elementary to 12th grade. According to Taha, many students were in class or taking tests when the plane crashed.

"I was terrified when I saw the news on TV. Oh my god! That's my school," the 16-year-old student, who was not at school today, said.

Interim leader of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He called it an irreparable loss for the air force, as well as the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone school.

"This is a moment of immense grief for the country," Yunus said.

Ngoc Anh (AFP, AP)