The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has reported that six people were seriously injured after a United Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos early Friday morning.
The United Airlines flight, UA613, a Boeing 787-8, was originally headed to Washington Dulles International Airport from Lagos. The aircraft, which had a total of 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board, had to return to the airport shortly after takeoff due to an unspecified issue.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, provided an update on the situation, explaining that the flight had initially departed MMIA at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. However, shortly after, the decision was made to return to Lagos, and the plane safely landed at the airport at 3:22 a.m. on Friday.
Orah noted that while all passengers and crew were able to safely disembark, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries during the incident.
Additionally, 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries. Despite these injuries, the quick response from the airport’s emergency teams ensured that the situation was managed effectively.
“The United Airlines Boeing 787-800 departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, at 23.59 p.m. on Thursday, but made air return and landed safely at 3.22 a.m. on Friday,” Orah said.
“On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members.
“The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical and Aviation Security were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 3.37 a.m.
“While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.
“The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby.”
The injured passengers were immediately taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Some were transported to MMA Clinic and Duchess Hospital in Ikeja, while others who had minor injuries received first aid on site before being discharged. The remaining passengers were accommodated in a hotel until alternative travel arrangements could be made.
FAAN also confirmed that the aircraft did not sustain significant damage during the emergency landing.
