Passengers Injured as US-Bound United Airlines Flight Returns to Lagos Due to Technical Fault

A United Airlines Boeing 787-8, flying from Lagos to Washington Dulles, was forced to declare an emergency on Thursday and return to Lagos. Once the aircraft established its return path, the crew kept the emergency transponder code 7700 (signaling an emergency) active while communicating with the control tower until a safe landing was made.

The aircraft, registered N27903, is a 13-year-old widebody jet, part of the US-based carrier United Airlines’ fleet. Onboard were 245 passengers, 8 flight attendants, and 3 pilots.

Several passengers were reported to have sustained injuries during the incident. Distressed passengers shared videos and images, which showed food and luggage scattered throughout the cabin, a result of the turbulent flight. While the cause of the commotion remains unclear, passengers believe it may have been linked to an engine-related issue. However, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau will be responsible for determining the true cause of the incident.

In a statement to the media, Micheal Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed the situation and stated that the affected passengers were provided hotel accommodations in accordance with aviation regulations.
“Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” he explained.

United Airlines also acknowledged the event, issuing a brief statement confirming 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 said.