United Airlines Flight UA613

United Airlines Flight UA613, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, faced a serious mid-flight emergency, resulting in an unscheduled landing in Lagos, Nigeria. The flight, which was traveling from Lagos to Washington D.C., carried 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots.

Incident Overview

The flight took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 23:59 local time. About two hours into the flight, the aircraft suddenly lost cabin pressure, causing multiple sharp descents. This unexpected turbulence created a chaotic scene on board, with trays, food, and other objects flying around the cabin.

Emergency Response

In response to the emergency, the pilot immediately declared a distress situation and decided to return to Lagos. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was promptly alerted and prepared for the aircraft’s arrival. Emergency teams, including the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security, were stationed at gate D31. The plane made a safe landing at 03:22, and passengers were able to begin deboarding at 03:37.

Injuries and Medical Response

The emergency landing resulted in a number of injuries. Four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. Injured passengers were taken to medical facilities such as the MMA Clinic and Duchess Hospital in Ikeja, while those with less severe injuries received immediate first aid before being discharged.

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Passenger Accounts

Passengers onboard described the incident as terrifying. One individual shared their experience of hitting their head on the ceiling during the turbulence and briefly losing consciousness. The sudden loss of pressure, combined with the turbulence, left many passengers feeling fearful and disoriented.

Investigation and Follow-Up

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the cabin pressure loss and to prevent similar incidents in the future. United Airlines has committed to fully cooperating with the investigation and providing support to the passengers and crew affected by the event.