Kenya Airways on Wednesday, October 7 confirmed that one of its passengers onboard a flight from Nairobi to Lagos, Nigeria, died after suffering a medical emergency.

In a statement, the national carrier confirmed that the passenger experienced a medical emergency on board at around 21:20 hours local Nigerian time on Tuesday, October 6.

“One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos,” Kenya Airways says. “Our crew administered first aid as per their training and followed all emergency procedures.”

Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hours, Kenya Airways says the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medics confirmed that the passenger had passed away.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused. We uphold and respect the privacy and dignity for all involved.”

Kenya Airways says it is providing the necessary support in close coordination with the deceased’s family, local authorities, and aviation regulators.

Nigeria speaks

According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Kenya Airways country manager had informed him about the incident on Wednesday, October 7 morning.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said police commenced investigations and warned the public against reaching conclusions before the inquiry was completed.

“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. “The country manager said he [the passenger] 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.”

Achimugu further alleged that the passenger had became restless and aggressive during the flight, to the extent of attempting to gain access to the cockpit and later trying to open the aircraft’s rear door.

“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. His hands were tied to his back to ensure that he stopped the troubles,” Achimugu said, as reported by Punch Newspaper.