An Indian fighter jet pilot has been confirmed as dead after his plane crashed in front of spectators at an airshow in Dubai.

The Indian Air Force said: “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”

The Indian HAL Tejas crashed at around 2:10pm local time in front of distraught witnesses. Men, women and children looked on in horror as the plane exploded into a massive fireball with black smoke engulfing the plane.  

Dramatic footage from the scene show the Tejas performing its demonstration routine before suddenly losing altitude and descending rapidly.

Moments later, a column of think smoke rose, drawing gasps and causing spectactors to flee the scene.

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