The flight turned back after the aircraft — a Boeing 787-8 — experienced a technical issue and “an unexpected aircraft movement,” the airline said. The airline clarified on Friday that the incident was not related to severe turbulence but stemmed from a technical problem.
After diverting, United Airlines Flight UA613 landed safely back in Nigeria. Four passengers and two flight attendants were taken to hospital with injuries but have been discharged, United Airlines said in a statement.
Videos circulating on social media capture the chaotic scenes on board the aircraft, showing food and other items scattered across the cabin with the sound of panicked passengers in the background. The flight carried 245 passengers, along with eight flight attendants and three pilots.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft involved, registered as N27903, was manufactured in 2012.
United Airlines stated that it is collaborating with Nigerian officials to investigate the cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that a preliminary report on the matter is expected to be published within approximately 30 days.
