UPS freighter on fire before crash

INVESTIGATORS into the recent UPS freighter crash in Dubai, which killed both pilots, have confirmed a fire broke out in the cargo compartment before the crash.

The investigators are now looking into whether there were any lithium-ion batteries onboard, which have already raised safety concerns about their inclusion on flights.

“The frequency of events, including the difficulty in extinguishing lithium-battery fire, warrants taking strong action,” said Jerry Costello, chairman of the US’ House of Representatives’ aviation subcommittee.

The pilots had reported smoke so thick that they had trouble reading their instruments.