Bangladesh: Military plane crash kills 27, deadliest in a decade

Bangladesh was rocked on Monday by the deadliest plane crash in its recent history. A military transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 27 people, all members of the armed forces. The tragedy occurred near the southeastern port city of Chittagong.

A sudden crash over the hills

A device in routine exercise

According to an official statement, the aircraft involved was an Antonov aircraft used for logistics missions. It had taken off on a training flight when it disappeared from radar after only a few minutes.

Impact in a sparsely populated area

The crash occurred in a hilly and difficult-to-access area, complicating the arrival of rescuers. Initial images show a dislocated, largely charred wreck. No survivors have been found.

Investigation opened and national mourning

The causes are still unclear

Authorities have opened a military investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident. The main theory is that it may have been caused by a technical malfunction, although the weather conditions were deemed "mild."

National mourning declared

The government has declared a day of national mourning . Flags are flying at half-mast and an official ceremony is planned to honor the victims.

Heaviest death toll for a military flight in Bangladesh

With 27 deaths, this is the deadliest plane crash involving a military aircraft in Bangladesh in more than a decade. This tragedy has renewed questions about the state of the army's air fleet, which often consists of older aircraft or those donated by foreign sources.