A Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating as United Airlines flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington declared an emergency and made a return to Lagos, Vanguard Reports. The flight, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, experienced issues while over Ivory Coast airspace.
The airline confirmed to Vanguard that the flight returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. Upon landing safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), first responders were on hand to provide assistance for minor injuries sustained by several passengers and crew.
A passenger, speaking anonymously, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the incident happened after meals had been served and passengers had unfastened their seatbelts. “We had already been served our meals when the plane lost pressure and dropped. We noticed a sharp descent. I hit my head on the ceiling because of the impact. I became unconscious, but one person from the medical team came to attend to me in the middle of the turmoil. The sharp descent happened three times, causing some people to sustain injuries. We spent four hours in the air. In the midst of the turmoil, the pilot said we were going to land in Ghana, but we eventually landed in Nigeria,” the passenger said.
More Read
The flight’s return and subsequent safe landing have raised concerns about in-flight safety protocols and the technical issue that necessitated the emergency return. The crew followed standard emergency procedures, ensuring the passengers’ safety throughout the ordeal.
Passengers and crew affected by the incident were provided with medical attention, and the airline assured that further investigations would be conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This incident brings back memories of a similar plane mishap last year that tragically claimed lives, highlighting the ongoing need for stringent safety measures and prompt responses to emergencies.
