Passenger Dies on Kenya Airways Flight to Lagos After In-Flight Disturbance

A passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos has died after becoming unresponsive shortly before landing, with the Nigeria Police Force taking over investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The passenger, whose identity has not been released, was travelling on a Kenya Airways flight that arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday night.

Kenya Airways said the passenger was found unresponsive at about 9:20pm, approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to land.

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 in a statement on Wednesday.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority also confirmed that the police had taken over the case.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said he was briefed by the airline’s country manager and that the passenger had reportedly been travelling back to Nigeria after being denied entry into Madagascar.

According to Achimugu, the passenger allegedly became restless and aggressive during the flight and attempted to gain access to the cockpit before later trying to open a rear aircraft door.

He said the crew restrained the passenger by tying his hands behind his back in an effort to prevent further disruption and protect other people 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,” Achimugu said.

The passenger was subsequently brought to Nigeria but was declared dead after the aircraft landed, according to the NCAA official.

Achimugu cautioned against pre-empting the police investigation, saying the circumstances surrounding the death would now be established by investigators.

Airport command police spokesperson Muhammed Adeola also confirmed that investigations had commenced.

Adeola said the incident involved an inadmissible passenger and that complications occurred during the return flight. He added that the passenger reportedly became unable to breathe before medical personnel were alerted.

The deceased’s body has been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja, while police have taken statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain.

“Yes, it’s true, and investigations have commenced,” Adeola said. “He was unable to breathe, and medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed. However, upon landing, he was confirmed to have died.”

He added that the body was being kept at the morgue for further investigation.

Authorities have indicated that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as the investigation progresses.

Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and friends and said it was cooperating with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators.

The airline also said it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing the necessary support to the family.

The police investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events aboard the aircraft and determine the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death.