A United Airlines flight, UA613, traveling from Lagos to Washington, D.C., has declared an emergency and returned to Lagos. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, was forced to turn back after encountering issues over Ivory Coast airspace.

Reports indicate that several passengers and crew members sustained minor injuries during the incident. One passenger, who requested anonymity, recounted the harrowing experience: “We had just been served our meals when the plane lost pressure and suddenly dropped.

“I felt a sharp descent and hit my head on the ceiling due to the impact. I lost consciousness for a moment, but a member of the medical team came to assist me amidst the chaos. This sharp descent occurred three times, leading to injuries among some passengers. We were in the air for about four hours, and at one point, the pilot mentioned we would land in Ghana, but we ultimately returned to Nigeria.”

Linden Birns, a spokesperson for United Airlines, confirmed the situation, stating, “Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington, D.C., returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After a safe landing, first responders were on hand to attend to reports of minor injuries among several passengers and crew members.”