Tejas plane crash at Dubai Airshow: UAE Ministry of Defence issues statement

The UAE Ministry of Defence has issued a statement following the crash of a Tejas plane belonging to the Indian Air Force.

“A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site.”

Spectators at the airshow saw the crash from viewing enclosures near the runway. Videos show the Tejas performing its demonstration routine before suddenly losing altitude and descending rapidly. Moments later, a column of black smoke rose, drawing gasps and causing visitors to move away quickly.