The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reported that six people sustained serious injuries, while 32 others suffered minor injuries during an emergency air return involving a United Airlines Boeing 787-800 early Friday morning.
Four passengers and two crewmembers were those seriously injured Friday when a United Airlines flight from Lagos, Nigeria to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia made a sudden in-flight movement, according to United Airlines.
The incident occurred after the aircraft, carrying 256 individuals onboard, 245 passengers and 11 crew members, departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 23. Mid-flight, the pilot declared distress at 1:20 a.m., necessitating an emergency return to Lagos.
FAAN confirmed that the plane landed safely at 3:22 a.m. and was met by rescue teams at Gate D31. Passengers began disembarking at 3:37 a.m.
“The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and, Aviation Security (AVSEC) were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37,” FAAN said in a statement on Friday.
While all onboard disembarked safely, FAAN revealed that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while an additional 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries.
FAAN noted that the injured were quickly attended to by medical personnel, saying, “The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20.
“Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengers, some to the MΜΑ Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first. aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation.”
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, also confirmed that the aircraft did not sustain any major damage and that the authority will keep providing information were necessary.
