Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington DC diverted to Dakar, Senegal after passenger collapses; witnesses report faulty oxygen masks and four-hour delay without amenities
A United Airlines flight from Nigeria to the United States turned into a scene of tragedy and frantic rescue efforts Monday morning when a 60-year-old male passenger collapsed and later died, despite resuscitation attempts involving popular Nigerian pastor Odumeje and other travelers.
The incident occurred on United Airlines Flight UA613, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Washington Dulles International Airport, after the aircraft had already experienced significant disruption—including an earlier forced landing in Senegal following reports that a passenger had delivered twins aboard .
According to passengers still on the aircraft, the journey had been anything but routine. The flight was initially forced to divert to Dakar, Senegal, where it remained on the ground for approximately four hours with no further amenities provided to travelers .
It was during this period of stress and uncertainty that a male passenger in his 60s began showing signs of distress. Upon the flight's return toward Nigeria, he fainted, triggering an immediate emergency response .
Desperate Rescue Attempts
Cabin crew rushed to assist the stricken passenger, deploying oxygen masks in an effort to resuscitate him. Fellow passengers, including the well-known Onitsha-based pastor Odumeje—famous for his flamboyant style and "Igwe Ocha" persona—joined in the attempts to save the man's life .
But the efforts were hampered by equipment failure. According to witnesses still aboard the flight, the first three oxygen masks deployed did not function properly. A fourth mask worked only partially—insufficient to sustain the passenger in crisis .
"At some points, the air hostess said there was nothing more that could be done," one passenger, who requested anonymity, told YNaija. "Can you imagine? On a flight where oxygen tanks failed? This is so unfair" .
The Final Moments
Around 10:29 a.m., despite the combined efforts of crew and passengers, the man passed away. Flight crew subsequently moved his body to the front of the aircraft, wrapping it in blankets to minimize distress for other passengers during deplaning .
"They just took him to the front so that people don't look at him when going out," the passenger recounted. "They wrapped him in blankets" .
Underlying Conditions and Stress
Passengers speculated that the man may have had underlying health conditions that were exacerbated by the stressful circumstances of the flight. The four-hour delay in Dakar without amenities, combined with the general anxiety of air travel, may have contributed to the medical emergency .
"It is possible he had underlying conditions that worsened because of the stress," another passenger noted .
Flight Scheduled to Land
Despite the tragedy, the flight continued its journey and was scheduled to land at approximately 11:07 a.m. Monday morning. United Airlines has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The death marks the second major incident involving United Airlines flights from Nigeria in recent weeks. On February 6, 2026, another United flight from Lagos to Washington experienced a sudden mid-air drop approximately 90 minutes after takeoff, injuring 38 passengers and crew and forcing an emergency return to Lagos . That incident, which remains under investigation, was attributed to "unexpected aircraft movement" rather than turbulence, with Boeing and aviation authorities in both Nigeria and the United States examining the cause .
Questions Remain
The tragedy raises urgent questions about emergency preparedness on international flights, particularly the functionality of critical life-support equipment. Passengers expressed frustration that oxygen masks—designed as fail-safe emergency equipment—failed to operate when needed most.
For the family of the deceased, the news of their loved one's death will arrive with the added pain of knowing that rescue attempts were hampered by equipment failure. For fellow passengers, the memory of watching a man die despite their best efforts will linger long after the flight lands.
United Airlines has not yet commented on the equipment failures alleged by passengers. The airline is expected to release a statement once the flight has concluded and an initial assessment has been conducted.
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