All six people injured in the melee have since been released from the hospital, a United Airlines spokesperson told CNN.

Videos circulating online depict the chaotic aftermath, with food trays and personal items scattered throughout the cabin. One passenger described the experience, stating, “We dropped so suddenly that I hit my head on the ceiling,” noting that this occurred three times.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reported that a rescue team responded within four minutes after the pilot declared distress. Injured passengers were transported to local clinics, with those suffering minor injuries received first aid and were discharged. Serious cases were stabilised and taken to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.

Some passengers were also provided accommodation at a hotel.

The Boeing aircraft, operating as Flight 613, was en route from Nigeria to Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, when it was forced to make an emergency landing just 93 minutes after takeoff.

According to FlightRadar24 data, there were 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board. Among the injured, 31 passengers and seven crew members sustained minor injuries while four passengers and two crew members required hospitalisation due to more serious injuries.

The cause of the incident remains uncertain. United Airlines has ruled out severe turbulence and is collaborating with aviation authorities in the US and Nigeria to investigate the matter.

The director of public affairs and consumer protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident to Radio Nigeria.