Indian fighter jet crashes during demonstration at Dubai Air Show PHOTO/VIDEO

An Indian HAL Tejas combat aircraft crashed on November 21 during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show, sending a column of black smoke into the sky above Al Maktoum International Airport.

The jet went down at around 2:10 p.m. local time while performing for spectators at the biennial event. It was not immediately clear whether the pilot managed to eject or whether there were any casualties on the ground, Caliber.Az reports per AP. 

Witnesses heard sirens shortly after the crash as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Video from the area showed thick smoke rising from the far side of the airport, which is hosting one of the aviation industry’s largest trade shows.

The Dubai Air Show has drawn major announcements this year, including significant aircraft orders by Emirates and its sister carrier FlyDubai.

By Sabina Mammadli