DHAKA – Following the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training jet into Milestone School and College in northern Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhood, Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin, Director of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, has provided a detailed update on the condition of the victims and the hospital’s ongoing response efforts.
Dr. Uddin confirmed that the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery received the majority of the patients directly after the incident. “After the plane crash, most of the patients actually came directly to the institution. Also, some of the other hospitals took some of the patients, but most of the patients actually came here and started arriving just half an hour after the incident,” he stated.
The hospital initially received 21 patients, a number that has since risen. “So far, we primarily received 21 patients, but at present, we have 44 patients admitted in different units of our hospital. Some patients have been transferred to Dhaka Medical College and one also to CMAs. Actually, the CMAs patients were taken on their own accord because they have some connection with the CMAs, but all other patients are admitted here.”
Explaining the treatment arrangements, Dr. Uddin said, “Some of them are in the ICU, some of them are in the HDU, and some of them are in our special unit. That is, the post-op ward has been turned into a special unit for this one patient.” He noted that more than 25 patients are in very critical condition, being treated in the ICU and HDU. He emphasized that burn treatment is a dynamic process requiring repeated assessment.
Addressing concerns about resource shortages, Dr. Uddin clarified, “No, actually, in burn patients, on day one, we usually do not give any blood. From after 24 hours, most of the time we actually give fresh plasma, not direct blood. So, at present, we do not have any scarcity of blood at all.”
He also addressed the large influx of volunteers and blood donors, urging them to register their details rather than crowding the hospital. “We have already asked people not to come here to donate blood. We will try to tell them, we will inform them, if we have any scarcity of blood… We ask them, please, don’t try to come in a group. If you want to donate blood, you should just put your number in our information list, and if necessary, we will call you.” He warned against scams taking advantage of the situation.
Dr. Uddin assured the public of the hospital’s capacity, confirming that the institution is “quite properly equipped” with capable nurses, doctors, equipment, and medicines. He added that the ministry and other government agencies are helping, and no outside help is currently needed.
In a heartfelt message to the victims’ families, Dr. Uddin expressed sympathy and urged them to avoid crowding patient areas to prevent cross-infection and potential endangerment of lives. “Your children are our children, and we will treat them without any hesitation,” he affirmed.
Earlier reports indicated that the crash of the F-7 BGI aircraft killed at least one person, with casualty figures varying across reports. The crash site at Milestone School and College saw immediate rescue operations by fire and military personnel.