Many passengers injured as United Airlines flight UA613 declares emergency, returns to Lagos

A United Airlines flight, UA613, traveling from Lagos to Washington, D.C., declared an emergency and made an unexpected return to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following a technical issue.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, experienced the emergency over Ivory Coast airspace. Several passengers and crew sustained minor injuries during the incident.

According to a passenger who wished to remain anonymous, the plane suffered a sudden loss of pressure, resulting in sharp descents that caused panic and injuries.

The passenger recounted, “We had unfastened our seatbelts after being served meals when the plane suddenly dropped. I hit my head on the ceiling and briefly lost consciousness. The sharp descent occurred three times, injuring some passengers. Initially, the pilot announced we would land in Ghana, but we eventually returned to Nigeria.”

The airline confirmed the incident, stating: “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 attend to reports of minor injuries among passengers and crew.”