IAF Tejas fighter jet crash LIVE Updates: Wg Cdr Namansh Syal identified as pilot killed in Tejas crash at Dubai airshow

The pilot who lost his life in the Tejas crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow has been identified as Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, son of Jagarnath Syal, a resident of Patialkadh in Nagrota Bagwan tehsil.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a post on the social media platform X, said: "The news of the demise of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district's brave son Namnash Syal Ji in the Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members..."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply anguished” by the death of a brave and courageous IAF pilot during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show.

Leader of Opoosition Rahul Gandhi and Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the Tejas crash and expressed condolence.

What happened at the Dubai Air Show? An IAF Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed while performing aerobatic manoeuvres at the Dubai Air Show, held at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.

What happened to the pilot? The pilot of the Tejas aircraft, yet to be officially identified, sustained fatal injuries. His death was confirmed by the Indian Air Force.

What did the IAF say? In a statement, the IAF expressed deep regret over the loss of life and announced a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.

“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF posted on X.

What did the UAE say? The UAE’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident, saying firefighting and emergency responders acted swiftly and are managing the situation.

“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,” the ministry said in a post on X.

Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site near the airport, prompting panic among onlookers, including families with children who had gathered to watch the show.