A male passenger travelling aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos has died after an unsettling incident on board the aircraft.
The passenger reportedly 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, according to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the passenger was eventually restrained by members of the crew and other passengers after the disturbance.
“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.
He added that the passenger’s hands were tied behind his back to prevent further disruption and protect those on board.
The aircraft continued its journey and landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 9:41pm on Tuesday, October 6. Medical personnel who boarded the aircraft subsequently confirmed that the passenger had died.
Kenya Airways, in its official statement, described the incident as a medical emergency and said the passenger was found unresponsive about 20 minutes before landing. The airline said its crew administered first aid and followed established emergency procedures.
According to the NCAA, the passenger had reportedly been picked up in Madagascar after customs authorities denied him entry into the country, after which Kenya Airways was expected to return him.
The passenger’s identity and the precise cause of death have not been disclosed.
Police have taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while Kenya Airways said it was working with the deceased’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators.
Videos from inside the aircraft have also circulated online, showing passengers attempting to restrain the man as others watched in apparent panic. The circumstances surrounding the videos and the events leading to his death remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
