Passengers Injured as US-Bound Flight Makes Emergency Return to Lagos
A United Airlines flight bound for Washington Dulles International Airport in the United States was forced to make an emergency return to Lagos on Thursday after experiencing a technical fault mid-air.
The flight, designated UA613, was aboard a Boeing 787-8 with the registration number N27903. It had departed Lagos for Washington, D.C., but shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered issues that prompted the captain to declare an emergency. The plane maintained the international emergency transponder code 7700, signaling distress, as it made its way back to Lagos.
The flight had 245 passengers, 80 flight attendants, and three pilots on board. Reports indicate that several passengers sustained injuries due to turbulence during the return journey. Images and videos from inside the cabin showed food trays, luggage, and other items scattered across the floor as a result of the turbulence.
While the exact cause of the emergency has not been officially determined, some passengers speculated that an engine-related issue might have been responsible. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is expected to conduct a detailed investigation to confirm the cause of the incident.
Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident and reassured the public that the affected passengers were being properly taken care of. “Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” Achimugu stated.
United Airlines also released a statement acknowledging the emergency return. The airline confirmed that the flight had to return to Lagos to address a “technical issue,” and that after landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders who attended to reports of minor injuries among passengers and crew members.
“Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington, D.C., returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew,” the airline’s statement read.
The incident highlights the importance of swift action in the face of aviation emergencies, as well as the regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers in such situations. The investigation into the cause of the technical issue is ongoing.
