Passengers injured as US-bound flight returns to Lagos after mid-air emergency

A United Airlines flight headed to Washington Dulles International Airport was forced to return to Lagos on Thursday due to a mid-air technical issue.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, with registration number N27903, had taken off as Flight UA613 when it encountered a problem shortly after departure. In response, the pilot declared an emergency and activated the international distress code 7700, safely bringing the aircraft back to Lagos.

Onboard were 245 passengers, 80 flight attendants, and three pilots. Reports indicated several passengers sustained injuries during the turbulence, with images and videos showing food trays and luggage strewn across the cabin.

Although the exact nature of the technical fault remains unknown, some passengers speculated it could be engine-related. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is expected to launch an investigation to determine the cause.

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Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident, emphasizing that affected passengers were cared for as required by regulations.

“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 issued a statement, describing the situation as a “technical issue.”

“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 noted.