Thirty-three people were injured on Thursday after a United Airlines Boeing 787-800 aircraft, bound for the US, made an emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Six of the injured sustained serious injuries, including two crew members.

The flight had taken off from Lagos at 11:59 pm but had to return after about three hours due to a technical issue. There were 256 people on board, including 11 crew members. Upon landing safely, everyone was evacuated from the aircraft.

According to Mrs. Obiageli Orah, spokesperson for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security (AVSEC) teams were fully mobilized.

“The aircraft landed at 03:37 am. While all passengers and crew disembarked without incident, four passengers and two crew members were seriously injured, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members sustained minor injuries,” Orah said.

The emergency teams acted swiftly after the pilot reported distress at 1:20 am. Ambulances transported the injured to various medical facilities, including the MMA Clinic and Headquarters Clinic. Passengers with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while those with serious injuries were taken to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Some passengers were also provided accommodation at a nearby hotel. The aircraft itself did not suffer major damage.

United Airlines confirmed that Flight UA613, which was en route from Lagos to Washington D.C., had to return due to the technical issue. First responders met the aircraft upon landing to treat the injured.