A major aviation disaster was averted on Friday when a US-bound flight from Lagos to Washington Dulles International Airport was forced to return to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) due to a technical fault mid-air.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that the incident left 38 passengers and crew members injured, with varying degrees of severity. The aircraft, which had 256 people onboard—245 passengers and 11 crew members—declared a state of distress approximately four hours after takeoff.
In a statement, FAAN spokesperson Obiageli Orah detailed the emergency response, highlighting the swift activation of rescue teams following the pilot’s distress call at 1:20 a.m. “The Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security teams were on standby within four minutes of receiving the alert,” Orah said.
Providing further details, she disclosed the nature of injuries sustained: “Four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries. All passengers disembarked safely. Those injured received immediate medical attention, with Aviation Medical ambulances transporting them to healthcare facilities.”
Orah explained that the seriously injured individuals were stabilized and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja, while others with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged shortly after. Non-injured passengers were accommodated at nearby hotels pending further arrangements.
The incident reportedly caused no major damage to the aircraft, and FAAN emphasized that its emergency protocols were carried out efficiently to minimize harm and disruption. “The safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain our top priority. This incident demonstrates our readiness and commitment to ensuring a secure aviation environment,” Orah added.
While the cause of the technical fault has not yet been disclosed, aviation experts suggest that thorough investigations are ongoing to determine the factors that led to the emergency.
The incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures and emergency preparedness in aviation, with FAAN reassuring the public of its ability to handle critical situations effectively.
Passengers and stakeholders have praised the professionalism of the airport’s rescue team, calling for continued vigilance in ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s airspace. The flight’s airline operator is expected to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
