A U.S.-bound United Airlines aircraft conducted an emergency flying return to Lagos on Friday, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) rescue team successfully disembarked 256 passengers.
According to FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, all passengers and crew disembarked safely, confirming the flight return.
On the other hand, she said that 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries, while four passengers and two crew members suffered significant injuries.
She claims that at 23.59 p.m. on Thursday, the United Airlines Boeing 787-800 took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, but landed safely at 3.22 a.m. on Friday.
245 individuals and 11 crew members were on board.
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The aircraft parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 3.37 a.m. with the crew of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security present at the gate.
Although everyone on board and the crew exited safely, two crew members and four passengers suffered critical injuries, while another 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries.
“After remaining vigilant and ready, the rescue crew acted quickly and efficiently.
According to her, “the injured passengers were taken by aviation medical ambulances, some to the Headquarters Clinic and others to the MMA Clinic.”
Major injuries were stabilized and sent to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja, while minor injuries were treated with first aid and released, according to Orah.
She added that the airplane did not receive any significant damage and that some passengers were sent to a hotel for lodging.
According to her, “the authority will continue to provide updates.”