256 passengers, crew escape death as U.S.-bound United Airlines makes emergency landing in Lagos
United Airlines
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
A United Airlines Boeing 787-800, carrying 256 passengers and crew, made an emergency return to Lagos shortly after departing Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday night.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the successful evacuation of all passengers, though several individuals sustained injuries.
Mrs Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated that the aircraft took off at 11:59 p.m. but was forced to return, landing safely at 3:22 a.m. on Friday.
“All passengers and crew disembarked without incident,” Orah said. “However, four passengers and two crew members suffered serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members sustained minor injuries.”
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The emergency response was swift, with FAAN’s Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security teams on standby as the plane taxied to gate D31. Passengers began deboarding at 3:37 a.m.
Injured passengers received immediate medical attention. Those with minor injuries were treated and discharged, while individuals with serious injuries were stabilised and transported to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Others were accommodated at nearby hotels.
Orah also confirmed that the aircraft sustained no major damage, and the authority is committed to providing further updates.
The cause of the emergency landing has yet to be disclosed.
