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Emergency Landing on United Airlines Flight from Lagos to Washington DC
A United Airlines flight en route from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington, DC, encountered significant issues last week, leading to multiple injuries among passengers and crew.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a Boeing 787-800 was compelled to make an emergency return shortly after takeoff. The flight departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 11:59 PM on January 23 and subsequently landed safely back at 3:22 AM on January 24.
United Airlines attributed the emergency landing to a “technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement,” as reported by USA Today. This incident raised concerns among travelers and aviation experts alike regarding aircraft safety protocols.
The flight carried a total of 245 passengers, along with 11 crew members and three pilots. After the emergency landing, while everyone was able to evacuate the aircraft safely, results from FAAN indicated that six individuals sustained serious injuries, including four passengers and two crew members. Additionally, 32 other individuals reported minor injuries.
Micheal Achimugu, who serves as the director of public affairs and consumer protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed that there were no fatalities from the incident, providing some reassurance to the public.
In the aftermath, those who suffered minor injuries received immediate first aid and were discharged on-site. However, those with more serious injuries were stabilized and subsequently transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja, a prominent medical facility in Lagos.
Videos shared across social media platforms depicted the chaotic scene inside the aircraft, with food trays strewn across the aisle as passengers expressed panic in their seats. Such footage raised questions regarding in-flight safety measures and emergency procedures.
In a statement provided to USA Today, United Airlines affirmed their commitment to collaborating with aviation authorities in both the US and Nigeria to thoroughly investigate the factors leading to this unfortunate event.
Source
www.yahoo.com