Bear escapes crate in cargo hold of Iraqi Airways plane
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The prime minister of Iraq ordered an investigation after a bear being transported in the cargo hold of an Iraqi Airways plane escaped from its crate at Dubai International Airport.
Iraqi Airways issued an apology after passengers who arrived in Dubai from Baghdad were delayed by the bear's escape inside the plane's cargo hold.
The airline contacted United Arab Emirates authorities and a specialist team arrived at the airport to sedate the bear.
The plane was not damaged and successfully made the return flight to Baghdad, officials said.
The airline did not reveal why it was transporting a bear to the UAE or who received the animal. It said international animal welfare guidelines were followed in the bear's transport.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani's media office announced on social media that Transport Minister Razzaq Al Saadawi has been ordered to investigate the incident.
