A Lagos-bound passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi died shortly after becoming unresponsive during the flight, while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the police had taken over investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The passenger, whose identity had not been disclosed as of press time, reportedly became unresponsive on Tuesday night, about 20 minutes before the Kenya Airways flight was due to land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Kenya Airways, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm, shortly before the aircraft landed.
“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.
However, the circumstances leading up to the passenger’s death remained unclear, with the police now investigating the incident.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said he was briefed by Kenya Airways’ 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.
According to Achimugu, the passenger had reportedly been picked up in Madagascar after customs authorities allegedly denied him entry into the country. He said Kenya Airways was subsequently expected to return him because it had transported him there.
“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.
Achimugu further alleged that the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight, attempted to gain access to the cockpit and later tried to open the aircraft’s rear door.
He said the passenger was restrained by having his hands tied behind his back in an attempt to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew.
“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.
“His hands were tied to his back to ensure that he stopped the troubles,” he added.
Achimugu said the passenger was later brought to Nigeria but was declared dead upon arrival.
“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.
He added that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as the investigation progresses.
“I know the family may want an autopsy, but that is the current situation,” Achimugu said.
Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and friends and said it was cooperating 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 carrier added that it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing necessary support to the family.
The police investigation is expected to establish what happened aboard the aircraft and determine the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death.
When contacted, spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adeola, promised to respond to enquiries about the incident but had not done so as of press time.
