Thirty-eight people were injured, including six with serious injuries, aboard United Airlines Flight 613 on Friday morning, officials reported over the weekend. The flight, which was en route from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington, D.C., was forced to return to Lagos after experiencing an “unexpected movement” while in the air.
The Boeing 787, which was carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, encountered an issue that led to the injuries. Authorities initially reported that four passengers and two flight attendants had been sent to the hospital for medical checks following the incident. However, in an updated statement, Nigerian officials clarified that the total number of injured passengers had risen to 38, with six of those injuries categorized as serious.
While the specifics of the “unexpected movement” were not initially disclosed, it is believed to refer to some form of turbulence or an unexplained jolt during the flight. The unexpected event caused a range of injuries, from minor to serious, and resulted in significant distress among both passengers and crew members. Emergency medical services were promptly on hand upon the flight’s return to Lagos, where the injured were assessed and transferred to local hospitals for further treatment.
In a statement released by United Airlines, the airline expressed their concern for the well-being of those involved and confirmed that they were in communication with the affected passengers and their families. United Airlines also stated that they are fully cooperating with relevant authorities to investigate the incident. “Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew, and we are thoroughly investigating the events that occurred on Flight 613,” the statement read.
Flight 613 had taken off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos early Friday morning, but the “unexpected movement” occurred shortly after departure, prompting the return to the airport. The aircraft had been expected to continue its journey to Washington D.C. before the decision to return was made.
The Nigerian aviation authorities have initiated an inquiry into the cause of the incident, with flight data and cockpit recordings expected to provide further insight into what caused the disruption. Investigators are considering a range of factors, including mechanical issues, turbulence, and other potential causes that might have contributed to the event.
United Airlines has assured passengers and the public that the airline is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and that they will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The flight, a long-haul international route, was operated by a Boeing 787, a wide-body aircraft known for its advanced technology and safety features. However, like all flights, it is not immune to the potential for in-flight issues, which require quick responses from both the crew and passengers.
As of the latest update, the investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the injuries, and passengers affected by the incident are being supported by United Airlines as they recover. The airline has pledged to continue providing updates as more information becomes available.