〜ところに／〜ところへ

Meaning

Expresses that, right in the midst of a certain scene or situation, another matter appears or intervenes. It describes that, just while doing something or being in a certain state, another event happens with good or bad timing.

Examples

出かけようとしたところに、来客があった Just as I was about to go out, a visitor arrived.
困っていたところへ、友人が助けに来てくれた When I was in trouble, a friend came to help.
話をしているところに、電話が鳴った While we were talking, the phone rang.
ちょうど寝ようとしたところへ、地震が起きた Just as I was about to go to sleep, an earthquake struck.