UPS plane crashed after leaving Dubai International Airport

A UPS plane that took off from Dubai International Airport on Friday going to Cologne, Germany crashed in an uninhabited area of Dubai. The crew, two Americans died as a result of the accident.

UPS has confirmed that Captain Doug Lampe of Louisville, Kentucky, and First Officer Matthew Bell of Sanford, Florida, lost their lives in the crash of Flight 6 yesterday, Sept. 3, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday in a company statement. "This is a terrible tragedy, and all of us at UPS extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of both of these crewmembers," said UPS CEO Scott Davis. "Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with them during this difficult time." Captain Lampe, 48, had been with the company for 15 years. First Officer Bell joined UPS in 2006. Both men flew out of the UPS Anchorage, Alaska pilot base. The Boeing plane was only three years old. It had just underwent a through inspection during June. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is dispatching an aviation investigation team to assist the General Civil Aviation Authority (GACC) of the United Arab Emirates in the crash investigation. "We established an internal command center within minutes of learning of this tragedy. It will be staffed around the clock with experts from every part of our operation," said UPS Airlines President Bob Lekites. "Safe, secure operations are our top priorities for our employees, our customers, and our public stakeholders."