United Airlines flight UA613, departing from Lagos to Washington D.C., was forced to declare an emergency and return to Lagos after experiencing a technical issue mid-flight.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, was en route when it encountered a sudden loss of cabin pressure over Ivory Coast airspace, causing several passengers and crew members to sustain minor injuries.
According to a passenger, who spoke anonymously, the incident occurred after passengers had unfastened their seatbelts and were served their meals.
The plane reportedly lost pressure and descended sharply multiple times, leading to passengers being thrown around the cabin. The passenger recounted hitting their head on the ceiling and losing consciousness but was assisted by a medical team member onboard.
The flight, which had been initially diverted to Ghana, ultimately returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after spending four hours in the air.
The airline later confirmed that the return to Lagos was due to a technical issue, and first responders were on standby to address the minor injuries reported.