United Airlines Flight UA613: Passengers Survive Near-Mishap In Washington-Bound Journey

In a dramatic turn of events, United Airlines flight UA613, scheduled to fly from Lagos to Washington, experienced a near-catastrophe. The flight, carrying 245 passengers, eight crew members, and three pilots, declared an emergency mid-flight and made a U-turn to Lagos, landing safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in the early hours of Friday.

A Terrifying Mid-Air Incident

A passenger on board, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the chilling moments in an interview.

“The flight departed Lagos at 11:50 p.m., and everything seemed normal. There was no turbulence, and the plane was cruising smoothly as we approached Senegal. By then, the seatbelt sign was off, and food and drinks had already been served,” he explained.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated when the plane experienced a sudden drop.

Impact and Injuries

“There were three pilots. At the time, the primary pilot had stepped away to use the restroom, and another was in charge. Suddenly, the plane dropped violently. The impact was so severe that my head slammed into the cabin roof. You can see the bloodstains in the photos I showed you,” the passenger shared.

He added, “I was briefly unconscious, but a brave medical personnel onboard helped me regain consciousness. When I came to, the cabin was filled with panic. Passengers were shouting prayers like, ‘God of Chosen’ and calling on ‘Prophet Ebuka of Zion.’”

The turbulence continued as the plane dropped three times in quick succession over a span of 20 minutes, causing injuries to some passengers. A woman attempting to use the restroom was reportedly badly hurt.

Pilot’s Heroic Effort

Despite losing navigation temporarily, the pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft and returned it safely to Lagos. The ordeal lasted approximately four hours before the plane made its emergency landing.

Stranded but Safe

After landing, passengers were taken to the Ibis Hotel near the airport. According to the passenger, the airline promised to communicate further instructions through the hotel’s reception. However, by midday Friday, no updates had been provided.

“Some passengers took matters into their own hands, visiting United Airlines’ office to rebook their flights. One passenger shared that he had been rebooked for a flight the next day,” the source explained.

Despite being offered a seat on a Turkish Airlines flight that same evening, the passenger chose to wait for another direct United Airlines flight on Saturday.

This harrowing incident is a testament to the resilience of passengers and the skill of aviation professionals in navigating emergencies. Passengers, though shaken, were ultimately grateful for their safety and the pilot’s expertise in averting disaster.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.