United Airlines’s technical fault emergency Lagos landing 

Sade Williams /Business a.m.

A United Airlines Boeing 787-800 operated flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 03:22 hours on Thursday after it departed the same airport at 23:59 pm on Wednesday following a technical fault.

The airline said in a statement by its press office: “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. Persons onboard include 245 passengers, 8 flight attendants and 3 pilots.”

A Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and Aviation Security (AVSEC) were at the gate when the plane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37.

Another statement by Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s spokesperson said 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.

She said 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,” she said.