An aircraft carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew was forced to make an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday, January 16, after suffering a technical fault mid-flight.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the aircraft developed problems while airborne in Nigerian airspace, prompting the crew to initiate emergency procedures.
LASEMA said it received a distress alert through its 767/112 Toll Free Emergency Lines and dispatched responders to the airport. On arrival, the agency’s response team found that the aircraft was in distress but noted that the pilot successfully carried out a safe landing with emergency responders already positioned on runway standby.
“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs. All passengers of the distressed aeroplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” LASEMA said in a statement.
Despite the forced landing, the emergency response agency confirmed that the incident did not cause major damage to the aircraft. “The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.
