Shola Adekola, Author at Sporting Tribune

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed that 256 passengers in a United Airlines plane cheated death as it made an emergency air return to Lagos on Friday. According to FAAN, the United Airlines Boeing 787-800 flight departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for Washington, United States at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Hours later, it made an air return and landed safely at 03:22 Friday 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. ALSO READ: How FAAN’s rescue team deboarded 256 United Airlines passengers “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.” FAAN pledged to continue to provide updates as they become available. America-based United Airlines has also reacted to the incident attributing it to “technical issues.” The airline confirmed that some passengers onboard the flight sustained injuries due to the incident. A statement issued by the airline and sighted by Saturday Tribune on Friday said that the aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 787-8 with 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots onboard. The statement from the airline reads: “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.” Meanwhile, there have been different reports emanating directly from some passengers onboard who revealed how the aircraft, which was said to have malfunctioned over the Cote D’Ivoire airspace, was diverted to Lagos. “This week, same thing happened, and passengers were returned to Lagos after flying for two hours on Thursday with over 20 passengers sustaining injuries onboard. “Must the aviation minister and the authorities allow Nigerians to die before something is done?” The passenger, who alleged that the airline was involved in three different incidents within four days, called on the aviation authorities to prevail on the airline to fix the affected passengers on other airlines. READ ALSO: How FAAN’s rescue team deboarded 256 United Airlines passengers