UPS Plane Crashes Near Dubai

A cargo plane crashed in an unpopulated area near the Dubai airport, killing the two crew members on board, according to the official WAM news agency in the United Arab Emirates.

U.S.-based UPS confirmed that the aircraft was one of the company's planes.

The 747-400 with two pilots crashed about 8 p.m. (noon ET) as it took off for Cologne, Germany, the company said in a statement.

"Safety is a key priority for UPS," said the company's airline and international operations manager, Bob Lekites.

"This incident is very unfortunate and we will do everything we can to find the cause," Lekites said in the statement. "Our thoughts go out to the crewmembers involved in the incident and their families."

"We will also release more information as it becomes available, in cooperation with government authorities. We will not speculate about the cause. Until then, we ask for your patience in this difficult time."

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said the plane crashed in an unpopulated area between Emirates Road and Al Ain highway, catching fire, WAM reported.

In a statement, the agency said the bodies of the two pilots were recovered, according to WAM.