A United Airlines flight, a Boeing 787-8 outbound from Lagos to Washington Dulles, on Thursday, declared an emergency and made an air return to Lagos.
Having established a return track to Lagos, PUNCH Online gathered that the aircraft crew maintained the emergency transponder code 7700 (Emergency signal) with the control tower till it landed.
The aircraft, initially bound for Washington Dulles International Airport with registered N27903, is an over 13-year-old widebody aircraft belonging to the US carrier United Airlines.
It had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board.
Some of those on board reportedly sustained injuries.
Videos and pictures from the distressed passengers in the aircraft showed that food and passengers’ luggage were scattered, littering the aircraft owing to the shaky nature of the flight.
The real cause of the pandemonium is yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report but the passengers are of the opinion that it was an engine-related issue.
Only the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) can ascertain the real cause of such incidents.
When contacted, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Micheal Achimugu, confirmed the development saying the passengers have been lodged in a hotel as stipulated by the regulatory act.
“Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged in a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act”, he said.
The airline also confirmed the development in a terse statement, attributing it to “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 statement read.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that 256 people were aboard the flight and detailed the emergency response in a statement on Friday by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.
According to FAAN, “the rescue team comprising the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security was already on alert and on standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20.
“The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security were already at the gate when the airplane parked for deboarding at Delta 31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37.
“Onboard the aircraft were 245 passengers and 11 crew members. While all individuals disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries. The FAAN rescue team responded promptly, ensuring the injured received immediate medical attention.
“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 stabilized and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja”, Orah confirmed.
The agency said passengers without injuries were accommodated at nearby hotels, adding that the aircraft did not sustain any major damage.
FAAN, therefore, assured the public of its continued dedication to safety and responsiveness, stating that further updates will be provided as necessary.
