Pilot dead after fighter jet crashes in huge fireball in front of crowd at Dubai Air Show

YOU NEED TO KNOW

• An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashes during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, killing the pilot

• Emergency teams responded quickly to the crash, which happened on the final day of the event near Al Maktoum International Airport

• Indian and UAE officials expressed condolences and announced an investigation to determine the cause of the accident

A pilot is dead after a fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show.

On Friday, November 21, the Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet, used in the Indian Air Force, crashed at around 2:10 pm local time as a crowd watched the demonstration flight near Al Maktoum International Airport, according to Sky News and the BBC.

In videos shared on social media, black smoke could be seen rising into the sky as a huge fireball exploded. Onlookers were also heard standing up in shock.

“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot suffered fatal injuries in the accident,” wrote the Indian Air Force on X. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firm with the bereaved family at this time of grief.”

They added, “A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the incident.”

PEOPLE has contacted the Dubai Air Show and Dubai Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defense for comment.

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The Dubai Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defense told the BBC that firefighters and emergency services “responded quickly” to the scene and are still monitoring the scene.

“In a tragic accident that occurred a few moments ago, a pilot from the Indian Air Force lost his life today when the Tejas multi-role fighter aircraft crashed during his participation in the flight exhibition that accompanies the Dubai Airshow,” wrote the UAE Ministry of Defense on X. “The relevant teams immediately responded to the incident.”

“A Tejas fighter jet from India participating in today’s air show at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,” they added. “Fire and emergency teams responded quickly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on site.”

The Chief of Defense Staff of India, Gen. Anil Chauhan also told the BBC that the Indian Army “deeply regrets the incident” and “stands firmly” with the loved ones of the late pilot.

The Dubai Air Show was on the last day of its five-day event when the crash occurred, according to the website.

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