256 persons were rescued as United Airlines plane makes emergency air return and landed successfully in Lagos.
According to a statement by the FAAN Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah the aircraft Boeing 787-800 departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Hours later, the aircraft made an air return and landed safely at 03:22 this morning.
According to the statement, on board were 245 adults and 11 crew members.
The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and, Aviation Security (AVSEC) of the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at Delta 31 without incident, and the door was opened at 03:37.
“While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20” the statement explained.
It further stated that “Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengers-some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation. The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage.”
