A United Airlines flight en route from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington, D.C., was compelled to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue that caused unexpected aircraft movement. The incident occurred 93 minutes into the flight, leading the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to return to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

On board were 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots. The sudden movement resulted in injuries to several individuals: six people, including four passengers and two crew members, sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized, while 32 others suffered minor injuries. All injured individuals have since been treated and discharged.

Upon landing, passengers and crew safely disembarked. United Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft experienced a technical issue leading to unexpected movement. The airline has ruled out severe turbulence as the cause and is collaborating with aviation authorities from both Nigeria and the United States to investigate the incident.

Visuals shared on social media depicted the aftermath inside the cabin, with food trays and personal items strewn across the aisles, underscoring the severity of the in-flight disturbance.

Following the incident, United Airlines accommodated passengers in local hotels and is working to arrange alternative travel plans for them. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the event and assured that the aircraft did not sustain major damage.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the technical issue, with both Nigerian and U.S. aviation authorities involved in the process.