How Kenya Airways passenger died minutes before Lagos landing

By Nwalie Chiamaka

A passenger aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos died shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred at about 9:20 p.m., roughly 20 minutes before the flight was due to land.

According to Kenya Airways, the passenger became unresponsive during the flight, prompting the crew to administer first aid and activate emergency procedures.

The aircraft eventually landed in Lagos at about 9:41 p.m., where medical personnel attended to the passenger and confirmed the death.

The identity of the deceased and the medical condition that led to the death have not been disclosed.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority said police have taken over investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the passenger had reportedly been picked up in Madagascar after being denied entry by customs authorities there.

He added that the passenger allegedly became restless during the flight and attempted to gain access to the cockpit.

According to Achimugu, the passenger later tried to open the aircraft’s rear door before being restrained.

He, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of death while the police investigation remained ongoing.

Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and said it was cooperating with the family, aviation regulators and relevant authorities.

The police investigation is expected to establish what happened in the final minutes before the passenger died.