Flight ua613 declares emergency, returns to lagos after in-flight incident

DDM News

A United Airlines flight, UA613, traveling from Lagos to Washington, declared an emergency mid-flight on January 24, 2025, prompting the aircraft to return to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The Boeing 787-8, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, encountered significant issues during the journey.

While over the airspace of Ivory Coast, the flight experienced a sudden loss of pressure, leading to a sharp and unexpected descent.

Passengers aboard the flight were reportedly shaken by the turbulence, with some sustaining minor injuries.

One passenger, who chose to remain anonymous, described the terrifying experience to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

According to this passenger, the descent occurred shortly after the in meal service, catching passengers off guard.

“We noticed a sharp drop in altitude, and I even hit my head on the ceiling due to the impact,” the passenger recalled.

The intensity of the descent caused many to panic as the aircraft made three sharp drops.

The passenger lost consciousness during one of the drops, and a member of the medical team aboard attended to them amidst the chaos.

The unsettling journey continued for four hours as the flight crew worked to stabilize the aircraft.

During this time, the pilot communicated to the passengers that they were diverting the flight to Ghana.

However, despite the initial intention to land in Ghana, the flight ultimately returned to Nigeria, where it landed safely.

The crew’s quick decision-making and the aircraft’s return to Lagos ensured that no fatalities occurred.

United Airlines later issued a statement confirming the emergency situation.

Linden Birns, a spokesperson for the airline, mentioned that UA613 had to return to Lagos due to a technical issue that required immediate attention.

After safely landing back at MMIA, emergency responders were on standby to assist passengers and crew members who had sustained minor injuries during the flight.

The airline confirmed that all individuals aboard the plain, including passengers and crew, disembarked safely.

The cause of the emergency remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine what led to the mid crisis.

Although the incident was alarming, the outcome was positive, with no serious injuries reported.

United Airlines expressed its gratitude to the flight crew and emergency responders for their handling of the situation.

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