Emergency: FAAN Rescue Team Safely Deboards 256 Souls From United Airlines’ Aircraft

The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical and, Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel from Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were already at D31 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 23:59 on Thursday, January 23, 2025 to deboard 245 adults and 11 crew members when United Airlines’ Boeing 787-800 departed from the airport, made an air return hours later and landed safely at 03:22. The aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident.

A statement signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection says when the plane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, “the door was opened at 03:37. While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and an additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20.

Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengers, some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilized and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation. The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage. The Authority will continue to provide updates as they become available.”