KENYA AIRWAYS PASSENGER DIES ON LAGOS-BOUND FLIGHT, POLICE BEGIN PROBE
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Agency report
A passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos died shortly after an unsettling incident on board, with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirming that the police have taken over investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The passenger, whose identity was not immediately known, reportedly became unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday night.
Kenya Airways, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm, approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft was due to land.
“One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos,” the airline said.
The airline said its crew immediately responded by administering first aid and following established emergency procedures.
“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,” Kenya Airways said.
When contacted, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said he was briefed by the airline’s country manager on Wednesday morning and confirmed that the police had taken over the matter.
“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.
Achimugu said the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities denied him entry into the country.
He explained that, as 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.
According to the NCAA official, the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight and allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit before later trying to open the aircraft’s rear door.
He said the passenger’s hands were tied behind his back in 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, according to Achimugu.
“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.
Achimugu added that the deceased’s family might request an autopsy as the investigation progresses.
“I know the family may want an autopsy, but that is the current situation,” he said.
Kenya Airways, meanwhile, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and friends, saying 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.
The airline added that it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing the necessary support to the family.
The police investigation is expected to shed more light on the events aboard the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death.
When contacted, spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adeola, confirmed the incident, saying the deceased’s body had been deposited at a morgue for further investigation.
He added that 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.”
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