Dubai Airshow crash LIVE: Fireball explosion as plane smashes ground in front of crowd

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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