A United Airlines flight heading to Washington Dulles International Airport was forced to return to Lagos on Thursday after declaring an emergency due to a technical issue.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, registered as N27903, had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots onboard. During the return to Lagos, the crew maintained an emergency transponder code (7700), signaling distress to the control tower.
The emergency landing caused panic among passengers, with some sustaining minor injuries. Videos and photos shared by distressed passengers showed food trays and luggage scattered across the aircraft due to turbulence during the flight.
Although the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, many passengers believe it was related to engine trouble. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident through its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Micheal Achimugu. He assured the public that the affected passengers have been accommodated in hotels as required by aviation regulations.
“Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged in a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” Achimugu said.
United Airlines also released a brief statement confirming the 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.
