Bear runs amok on a plane after breaking out of its cage in the cargo hold just before take-off in Dubai
- Flight 123 had arrived in Dubai when crews learned the bear has escaped
- Authorities scrambled animal control specialist and the flight was delayed
A bear ran amok on a passenger plane after it broke free of its cage in the cargo hold right before the aircraft took off from Dubai last week.
Terrified passengers had to be evacuated after the animal escaped on an Iraqi Airways plane flying between Baghdad International Airport and Dubai International Airport on August 4.
Flight 123 had reportedly arrived in Dubai and was set to travel back to Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, when crews learned that the bear had broken out of its shipping crate – delaying the flight as authorities dispatched animal control specialists.
Now, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shayya’ Sabbar al Sudani has waded into the row over who is responsible for the shocking incident, ordering an investigation.
The return flight to the Iraqi capital was delayed three hours and thirty minutes as a result, with footage circulating on social media capturing audio of the plane’s captain apologising to passengers for the disruption to their journey.
A bear ran amok on a plane after it broke free of its cage in the cargo hold right before the aircraft took off from Dubai last week (pictured). Footage shows that one staff member even managed to pet the beast’s head despite the incident terrifying passengers
The bear could be seen pacing around the cargo hold of the plane, but showed little sign of wanting to come out on its own accord
Another video recorded by a ground crew member shows the bear wandering within the cargo hold of the 737 aeroplane.
The footage shows that one staff member even managed to pet the beast’s head despite the incident terrifying passengers and causing the severe delay.
Another clip appears to show disgruntled passengers complaining about the lengthy delay. One man is seen standing impatiently between the seats and fanning himself with a piece of paper to keep cool, waiting for news.
Iraqi Airways apologised to its passengers, although it claimed it was not to blame for the animal’s escape.
The airline claimed the bear’s transport was carried out in accordance with the law and with procedures and standards approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Iraqi Airways stated: ‘The administration of the company apologizes to the travellers of the flight from Baghdad International Airport to Dubai Airport… for reasons beyond the control of the company, regarding a shipment [a bear] in the cargo hold.
‘Upon arrival at Dubai Airport, the animal escaped the crate specified for its shipment,’ it added.
‘The plane crew coordinated with UAE’s authority who sent a specialised team to sedate the animal and take it off the plane.
Another clip appears to show disgruntled passengers complaining about the lengthy delay. One man is seen standing impatiently between the seats and fanning himself with a piece of paper to keep cool, waiting for news
‘After checking the plane and making sure there is no damage from this incident, the flight returned to Baghdad.’
It is unclear why the animal was being transported on the plane or who its owner is.
Keeping wild animals as pets has become especially popular among the wealthy in Iraq, despite authorities’ struggles to enforce legal ways to protect them.
In the past, Baghdad’s police have called on citizens to help authorities in preventing dangerous animals from being let loose onto the city’s streets.
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