National Telescope national telescope newspaper
A United Airlines Boeing 787-800, carrying 256 passengers and crew, was forced to make an emergency return to Lagos shortly after departing Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday night.
The aircraft, en route to Washington, D.C., experienced technical difficulties mid-flight, prompting the crew to declare an emergency. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that the plane landed safely at 3:22 a.m. on Friday, after taking off at 11:59 p.m.
“All passengers and crew disembarked without incident,” said Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection. “However, four passengers and two crew members suffered serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members sustained minor injuries.”
The quick response from emergency services was critical. FAAN’s Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security teams were on standby as the plane taxied to gate D31. Passengers began deboarding shortly after the aircraft had parked at 3:37 a.m.
Those who sustained injuries were promptly attended to. Passengers with minor injuries were treated on-site and discharged, while the seriously injured were stabilised and transported to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Additionally, some passengers were provided accommodation in nearby hotels.
Despite the emergency, Orah confirmed that the aircraft did not sustain any significant damage. “The aircraft is in good condition, and we are committed to providing further updates as we receive them,” she added.
The flight, identified as UA613, had departed Lagos for Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. The emergency was declared when the plane experienced sudden altitude loss, and the pilot communicated the decision to return to Lagos.
The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Friday, brought relief as the plane made a safe return. FAAN assured the public that full details regarding the cause of the emergency landing would be shared once available.
For now, passengers and crew have been accounted for, with many expressing gratitude for the swift response of the emergency teams at Lagos Airport.
