Amanze Chinonye
A passenger died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos after becoming unresponsive shortly before landing, the airline said, as Nigerian authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The passenger experienced a medical emergency about 20 minutes before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 9:41 p.m. on Tuesday, Kenya Airways said.
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The airline said its crew administered first aid in line with their training and followed established emergency procedures before the aircraft landed.
Medical personnel met the aircraft on arrival and, after examining the passenger, confirmed that the person had died, the airline said.
Kenya Airways did not disclose the passenger’s identity, nationality or cause of death. It said it was providing the necessary support to the deceased’s family and coordinating with local authorities and aviation regulators.
Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said police had taken over the investigation. NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Michael Achimugu said the airline’s country manager had briefed him on the incident.
Achimugu said the passenger had reportedly been picked up in Madagascar after being denied entry by customs authorities and was being returned to Nigeria on the Kenya Airways flight. He said the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight and allegedly attempted to enter the cockpit and later open a rear aircraft door before being restrained.
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Police said the passenger was an inadmissible traveller and developed breathing difficulties during the return flight. Medical personnel were alerted before landing, and the passenger was confirmed dead after the aircraft arrived, police said.
The body was taken to a morgue in Ikeja, while police obtained statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain.
The cause of death has not been publicly established. Achimugu said the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as the investigation continues.
Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and friends and said it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
