Panic as US-bound United flight makes emergency return to Lagos, passengers injured

Passengers onboard a United States-based airline from Lagos to Washington Dulles were left injured as the B787 Dreamliner struggled mid-air, declared an emergency squawking transponder code 7700 and returned to Lagos a few hours after take-off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The United’s Flight UA613 Dreamliner airplane had 245 passengers onboard. The nature of the emergency is yet unknown.

The 12.1-year-old wide-body aircraft belonging to the US carrier registered N27903 was carrying 245 passengers had a technical problem over Cote d, Ivoire airspace at cruising flight level 350. Injuries sustained by the passengers and crew were minor; an indication of the danger the aircraft was.

The aircraft landed in Lagos at about 02.20 (UTC). There are indications that the aircraft lost altitude and dropped speedily making passengers panic and scream with some of them hitting their heads on hard surfaces as a result of the impact.

Amid the confusion, the pilot announced a return to Nigeria.

The airline which confirmed the incident stated “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. “

Wole Shadare