. 245 passengers on board, many injured
Imminent tragedy was averted on Thursday, as a United Airlines flight going to the United States from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in the Ikeja area of Lagos State made an emergency landing at the airport.
Reports said that the aircraft made an emergency return to the Lagos airport after the plane bound for Washington DC International Airport in the US developed a fault.
It was gathered that the plane had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board.
Many of those on board reportedly sustained injuries.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Micheal Achimugu, confirmed the incident, saying the passengers had 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 incident via a statement.
United Airlines attributed the incident to a technical issue, saying: “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.”