- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than 245 passengers have escaped death as a United States-bound aircraft made an emergency landing in Lagos.
This was made known in a statement issued on Friday by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.
According to the statement, the Boeing 787-800 US-bound United Airlines aeroplane made an emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) few hours after departing on Thursday.
The aircraft which had 245 passengers and 11 crew members on board was swiftly attended to by the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and, Aviation Security (AVSEC).
While all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.
The seriously injured passengers and crew were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja while those with minor injuries received first aid treatment at the MMA and Headquarters clinics after which they were discharged.
FAAN is yet to confirm the cause of the emergency landing as no damage was reported on the aircraft.
However, several video recorded by some passengers and shared on X showed the cabin in disarray in what appeared to have been a turbulent encounter.
Passengers could be heard screaming as several items littered the cabin.
The statement read in part; “United Airlines aeroplane Boeing 787-800 departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Hours later, the aircraft made an air return and landed safely at 03 this morning.
“On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members. 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.
“While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. 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 MMA 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.
“The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage.
“The Authority will continue to provide updates as they become available.”