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A Delta Air flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos caught fire mid air, on its way to Atlanta, USA.
The flight which departed MMIA at about 10:45pm had Nigerians and other nationals on board. It had to make an air return to the airport about 45 minutes after takeoff.
The crew reported that the cockpit indicator showed that one of the two engines of the aircraft had caught fire and needed to make an emergency landing.
It eventually landed at 11:16pm, with the passengers evacuated within 90 seconds through the emergency exits.
Reports said five of the passengers sustained “non-critical injuries” during the evacuation.
Delta Air confirmed the development in a statement by its media consultant in Nigeria.
The statement read: “Delta flight 55 from Lagos, Nigeria to Atlanta returned to Lagos International Airport Tuesday after an issue with one of the A330-200’s two engines. The flight landed safely and customers exited the aircraft on the runway via emergency slides. Airport fire authorities met the aircraft upon arrival. Delta’s customers were bussed back to the terminal.
“Delta is aware of five customers reporting non-critical injuries as a result of the evacuation.
“Delta teams have provided overnight hotel accommodations to customers and will rebook customers on an alternate Delta aircraft Wednesday afternoon. The safety of Delta’s customers and crew members is always our top priority.”