A LAGOS-BOUND passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Lagos died on Tuesday night, October 6, shortly before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The passenger, who became restless and tried earlier to open cabin door mid-air, was confirmed dead, about 20 minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to land, by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), while the Police have taken over investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Kenya Airways, in a statement on Wednesday, October 7, said its crew had responded by administering first aid and activating the appropriate emergency procedures after the medical emergency occurred about 9:20 pm, adding that medical personnel were waiting when the aircraft landed at 9:41pm and subsequently confirmed that the passenger had died.
It stated: “One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos.
“Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away.”
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the airline’s country manager had briefed the authority, noting: “The country manager had woken me up this morning to say their own side of the story, and the Police will start their own investigations.”
Achimugu said the passenger was reportedly being returned to Madagascar after Customs authorities had refused him entry into the country, adding that Kenya Airways was responsible for transporting the passenger back, because it had brought him into the country.
“The country manager said he was picked from Madagascar, after Customs had earlier denied him entry into the country, and as expected, the airline that brought him into the country must take him back,” he explained.
Achimugu said the passenger became agitated during the flight and tried to access the cockpit before attempting to open the aircraft’s rear door, but was restrained, with his hands tied behind his back in an effort to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew members.
He said: “When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive inside the aircraft, wanted to enter the cockpit and later wanted to open the rear door, but was later tied down.
“But when he got to Nigeria, he was declared dead on arrival. I don’t want to preempt the Police investigation, but they have taken it over for now.”
He added: “I know the family may want an autopsy, but that is the current situation.”
Meanwhile, Kenya Airways has expressed sympathy to the deceased’s family and friends and its readiness to cooperate with them, aviation regulators and relevant authorities, adding: “We apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused.”
The airline stated that it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved, while providing the necessary support to the family.
Spokespersons of the Lagos Airport Police Command, Muhammed Adeola, while confirming the incident, said the body of the deceased had been deposited at a morgue for further investigation.
Adeola added that the Police had taken statements from the flight attendants, including the captain of the aircraft, noting: “Investigations have commenced. It’s an issue of an inadmissible passenger, and the said complications arose on their way back.
“He was unable to breathe and medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed. However, upon landing, he was confirmed to have died.
“His body is at a morgue in Ikeja for further investigation.”
