The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reported that 31 passengers and seven crew members sustained injuries after a United Airlines flight UA613 made an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, was en route from Lagos to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) when it returned to Lagos early Friday morning following a mid-air emergency.
In a statement released on Friday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah confirmed that the plane departed MMIA at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday but returned to land safely at 3:22 a.m. on Friday.
“While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries,” Orah said.
The injured individuals were promptly attended to by a rescue team comprising Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security personnel.
She said: “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.
“Aviation medical ambulances transported the injured passengers, some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic.”
Orah also said passengers with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.
The director added that some passengers were taken to a hotel for accommodation, adding that the aircraft did not sustain any major damage.