US-Bound Flight Returns to Lagos After Mid-Air Emergency, Passengers Injured

A US-bound flight was forced to return to Lagos following a mid-air emergency, leaving several passengers injured and prompting an investigation into the incident.

A United Airlines flight en route to Washington Dulles International Airport had to turn back to Lagos on Thursday because of a technical issue encountered mid-air.

Shortly after takeoff, the Boeing 787-8 registered as N27903 encountered an issue while operating as Flight UA613. The pilot declared an emergency and activated the international distress code 7700, successfully returning the aircraft to Lagos.

Aboard the flight were 245 passengers, 80 flight attendants, and three pilots. Reports suggest that several passengers sustained injuries during the turbulence, with images and videos capturing food trays and luggage scattered throughout the cabin.

While the precise cause of the technical fault is still unclear, some passengers speculated that it might be related to engine issues. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is anticipated to conduct an investigation to ascertain the cause.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident and highlighted that affected passengers received care in accordance with regulations.

“Achimugu stated that it is indeed true and there are no issues, as the passengers have been accommodated in a hotel according to the stipulations of the NCAA Act.”

United Airlines also released a statement, referring to the situation as a “technical issue.”

“Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington, D.C., had to return to Lagos due to a technical issue. Upon its safe landing, first responders attended the aircraft following reports of minor injuries among several passengers and crew,” stated the airline.