Six Seriously Injured In United Airlines Emergency Landing At Lagos Airport

Six individuals sustained serious injuries following United Airlines Flight UA613’s emergency landing at Lagos airport. FAAN confirms swift rescue operations and ongoing investigations.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that six individuals sustained serious injuries following an emergency landing by United Airlines Flight UA613 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday.

Emergency Landing Details

The United Airlines Boeing 787-8, which was headed to Washington Dulles International Airport from Lagos, had a total of 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board.

According to FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, the flight departed MMIA at 11:59 PM on Thursday but had to return mid-air, landing safely at 3:22 AM on Friday.

“All passengers and crew were safely evacuated. However, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries. Additionally, 27 passengers and five crew members reported minor injuries,” Orah said.

Rescue and Medical Response

The FAAN Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical team, and Aviation Security were on standby at the airport. The aircraft parked without incident at Gate D31, and the doors were opened for evacuation at 3:37 AM.

Passengers with serious injuries were promptly transported to medical facilities, including the MMA Clinic and Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged shortly after.

To ensure passenger welfare, other travelers were accommodated at a nearby hotel.

Aircraft Condition and FAAN’s Statement

FAAN confirmed that the aircraft did not sustain major damage during the incident. The agency pledged to release further updates as investigations into the cause of the emergency landing unfold.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the importance of swift and efficient emergency response at Nigerian airports. FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and well-coordinated rescue efforts helped mitigate the potential impact of the emergency landing.