A UPS 747-400 out of Dubai for Cologne crashed after take-off Friday at about noon EST, within the perimeter of a military base, killing its two crew after suffering an onboard fire, according to early reports. A statement from civil aviation authorities said “measures were taken to contain the fire which broke out on board,” but did not directly indicate where the fire was located within the aircraft. Witnesses have reported they saw the jet was on fire before it crashed.
The crash took place some 18 miles from Dubai International airport and early reports did not indicate additional casualties on the ground. UPS said in a news release that it will release information as it becomes available, in cooperation with government authorities. “This incident is very unfortunate and we will do everything we can to find the cause,” the release said. “Our thoughts go out to the crewmembers involved in the incident and their families.”
