Panic as United Airlines flight makes emergency return to Lagos after mid-air technical issue

A United Airlines flight bound for Washington Dulles International Airport made an emergency return to Lagos on Thursday following a mid-air technical issue.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as N27903 and operating as Flight UA613, encountered a problem shortly after takeoff.

In response, the pilot declared an emergency and activated the international distress signal, code 7700, before safely landing the aircraft back in Lagos.

The flight had 245 passengers, 80 flight attendants, and three pilots onboard. During the turbulence caused by the incident, several passengers sustained minor injuries.

Disturbing images and videos from the cabin showed food trays, luggage, and personal belongings scattered across the aisles, highlighting the chaos that unfolded mid-flight.

While the exact cause of the technical fault has not been confirmed, there is speculation among passengers that the issue may have been engine-related. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident, emphasizing that affected passengers were cared for as required by regulations.

“Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” Achimugu stated.

United Airlines also issued a statement, describing the situation as a “technical issue.”

“Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington, D.C., returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew,” the airline noted.

 

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