United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Passengers and Crew Injured

United Airlines Flight UA613 Makes Emergency Landing in Lagos, Injuring Passengers and Crew

A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner encountered a critical mid-flight emergency, resulting in an unscheduled landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The incident left multiple passengers and crew members injured.

The flight, designated UA613, was carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots when the emergency unfolded.

Emergency Landing Details

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria provided a detailed timeline of the event. Departing from Lagos at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025, the aircraft returned for an emergency landing at 03:22 the following morning after a reported cabin pressure loss.

Upon landing, emergency response teams, including Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security, were on standby at gate D31. Passengers deboarded safely, with the aircraft doors opening at 03:37.

Injuries and Medical Response

The emergency led to serious medical consequences:

• Serious Injuries: Four passengers and two crew members.
• Minor Injuries: 27 passengers and five crew members.

Aviation Medical ambulances transported injured individuals to multiple medical facilities. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while seriously injured passengers were stabilized and transferred to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Others were accommodated in hotels.

Passenger Account of the Incident

One passenger recounted the harrowing experience, stating the aircraft lost cabin pressure mid-flight, followed by sharp descents. Many passengers hit their heads on the ceiling, with some, including the narrator, briefly losing consciousness.

The flight, initially en route to Washington D.C., experienced four hours of turbulence. The pilot first communicated a possible landing in Ghana but ultimately decided to return to Lagos. Despite the emergency, the aircraft did not sustain major structural damage.

Airline Statement

United Airlines confirmed the incident, citing an unspecified “technical issue” as the cause of the emergency. The airline stated that first responders were present upon landing to manage reported injuries and assist passengers.

The Federal Airports Authority commended the swift response of the rescue teams, who reached the aircraft within four minutes of the pilot’s distress call at 01:20.