248 escape as Qatar Airways aircraft makes emergency landing at Lagos airport

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that a rescue operation following an air incident involving a Qatar Airways plane at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, was successfully carried out on Friday.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Lagos. The statement was signed by LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

According to LASEMA, the agency activated the state’s emergency response plan after receiving distress alerts through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines in the late hours of Friday.

The agency explained that a passenger aircraft encountered technical difficulties while in Nigerian airspace, necessitating an emergency landing at the airport.

“Preliminary investigations conducted by the agency’s Response Teams revealed the immediate cause of the incident was due to technical issues suffered by the distressed aircraft,” the statement said.

The aircraft, whose operator has not been disclosed, was carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members at the time. LASEMA noted that the pilot executed a safe landing, with emergency responders on full alert and positioned to manage the situation.

“After safety checks by the pilot and engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for further inspection and necessary repairs. All passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries or loss of lives were recorded,” the agency added.

LASEMA confirmed that the incident caused no significant damage to the aircraft. Recovery activities have been completed, and the rescue operation concluded successfully.

The agency praised the swift collaboration among various emergency teams and reassured Lagos residents of its preparedness for future emergencies. The operation involved LASEMA, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.