
LAGOS — A United Airlines flight bound for Washington Dulles International Airport was forced to make an emergency return landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport due to a technical issue. The incident left six individuals seriously injured.
Flight UA613, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, experienced cabin pressure loss shortly after takeoff. According to a passenger onboard, the aircraft underwent three sharp descents that caused panic and injuries.
“We had already been served our meals when the plane lost pressure and dropped. I hit my head on the ceiling because of the impact. The sharp descent happened three times, causing some people to sustain injuries,” the passenger recounted.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, “Onboard the aircraft were 245 passengers and 11 crew members. While all individuals disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries. Additionally, 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries.”
Emergency responders swiftly attended to the injured, ensuring they received immediate medical attention. FAAN commended its rescue team for their prompt response, which helped avert further complications.
An investigation into the technical fault is underway as aviation authorities work with United Airlines to determine the cause of the emergency.