A passenger travelling to Lagos on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi died shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with the circumstances surrounding the death now under police investigation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after the passenger, whose identity had not been disclosed as of Wednesday, reportedly became unresponsive about 20 minutes before the aircraft landed in Lagos.
Kenya Airways confirmed that a medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm, prompting the crew to respond immediately and administer first aid in line with established emergency procedures.
The airline said the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 9:41pm, where medical personnel examined the passenger and confirmed that he had died.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority also confirmed that the police had taken over the investigation into the incident.
According to the NCAA, the passenger had reportedly been brought into Nigeria after being picked up in Madagascar, following an earlier refusal by customs authorities to admit him into the country.
The aviation authority explained that Kenya Airways was expected to transport the passenger back because the airline had brought him into the country.
The NCAA further alleged that the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight and attempted to gain access to the cockpit before later trying to open a rear door of the aircraft.
He was subsequently restrained by members of the crew in an attempt to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew members.
However, the passenger later became unresponsive and was declared dead after the aircraft arrived in Lagos.
The NCAA said it would not pre-empt the police investigation, adding that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, saying it was cooperating with the family, relevant authorities and aviation regulators.
The airline also said it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing necessary support to the family.
The ongoing police investigation is expected to establish what happened aboard the aircraft, including the events that preceded the passenger’s death and whether any underlying medical or other factors contributed to the incident.
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