A Lagos-bound passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi died shortly after an unsettling episode on board, while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the police have taken over investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The PUNCH gathered that a routine journey from Nairobi to Lagos turned tragic on Tuesday night after the passenger (name yet to be known) aboard a Kenya Airways flight became unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
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 to the situation, 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 Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, said he was briefed by the airline’s country manager on Wednesday morning and stressed that the police had now 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 explained that the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities had earlier denied him entry into the country.
Achimugu 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.
The NCAA senior official 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.
He 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, 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 said the deceased’s family may 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 what happened aboard the aircraft, including the events leading up to the passenger’s death.
When contacted, spokespersons of the Airport command of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adeola, promised to get back to our correspondent on the matter but was yet to do so till press time.