A Lagos-bound passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday died before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), in Lagos.
Penpushing reports that Kenya Airways, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm, approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft was due to land.
The Kenya Airways authorities explained that its crew immediately responded to the situation, administering first aid and following established emergency procedures, adding that the passenger became unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed
“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’, the authority said.
Penpushing further reports that Kenya Airways, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and friends, adding that it was working with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused,” the airline said.
Penpushing also reports that the airline added that it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing the necessary support to the family, adding that the police investigation is expected to shed more light on what happened aboard the aircraft, including the events leading up to the passenger’s death.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, said he was briefed by the airline’s country manager on Wednesday, stating that the police had now taken over the matter.
Penpushing reports that he explained that the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities had earlier denied him entry into the country, stating that the airline that had brought the passenger into the country, Kenya Airways was expected to return him.
‘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 said.
Penpushing further reports that Achimugu, added that the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight and allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit before later trying to open the rear door of the aircraft.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said the passenger’s hands were tied behind his back as an attempt to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of those on board.
“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. His hands were tied to his back to ensure that he stopped the troubles,” Achimugu said.
‘The passenger was subsequently brought to Nigeria, where he was declared dead upon arrival, 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 said.
Penpushing also reports that Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said the deceased’s family may request an autopsy as the investigation progresses, explaining that that is the current situation.
The Airport Police Command Public Relations Officer Muhammed Adeola, confirmed the incident, explaining that the body of the deceased had been deposited at a morgue for further investigation, stating that the police had taken statements from the flight attendants, including the captain of the aircraft.
“Yes, it’s true, and 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’, he said
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
