BREAKING: Retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshall Confirmed Dead Inside British Airways Plane
- A British Airways flight from London to Abuja was diverted to Barcelona after a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal died mid-air
- The emergency triggered further distress onboard, including a second medical incident involving a pregnant passenger
- British Airways has apologised for the disruption and confirmed that a replacement aircraft resumed the journey to Nigeria
A British Airways flight en route from London to Abuja was forced to make an emergency diversion to Barcelona in the early hours of Monday following the death of a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal onboard.
The aircraft had departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, 5 October, and was scheduled to arrive at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by 5:00 a.m. Monday. However, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the pilot declared a medical emergency and rerouted the flight to El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain.
Source: Getty Images
Retired Air Vice Marshal from Anambra dies mid-flight
Sources confirmed to reporters that the deceased, believed to be in his early 80s, was one of the few surviving retired air vice marshals from Anambra State. He had reportedly been unwell and was travelling back to Nigeria for further medical treatment when he passed away mid-flight.
The incident reportedly caused distress among passengers, with confusion onboard triggering a second medical emergency involving a pregnant woman. Her condition remained unconfirmed at the time of reporting.
British Airways issues apology and travel update
British Airways issued a statement to passengers acknowledging the disruption and offering support.
The airline confirmed that a replacement aircraft would resume the journey to Abuja. Initially scheduled to depart Barcelona at 2:00 p.m. local time and arrive in Abuja at 7:00 p.m., the flight was later rescheduled to depart at 2:50 p.m., with arrival expected around 5:45 p.m. Nigerian time.
What is British Airways?
British Airways (BA) is the United Kingdom’s flag carrier and one of the world’s leading international airlines. Headquartered in London, it operates from its main hub at Heathrow Airport, offering flights to over 170 destinations across more than 70 countries.
Renowned for its long-haul services, BA maintains a strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The airline is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, which enhances global connectivity through partner networks.
British Airways is known for its commitment to safety, customer service, and innovation, including its investment in modern aircraft and digital travel solutions. It offers a range of cabin classes, from economy to First, catering to diverse passenger needs.
BA also provides loyalty rewards through its Executive Club programme. Despite occasional disruptions, the airline continues to uphold its reputation as a reliable choice for international travel, with a legacy dating back to its formation in 1974.
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Lift crashes from seven storeys, kills one
Legit.ng earlier reported that a mother in Turkey has died after a lift she entered malfunctioned and plunged seven storeys, despite her husband’s frantic efforts to save her.
The incident occurred on 30 September inside an 11-storey residential block in the Altaylilar district of Tarsus, located in the Mersin province. Pelin Yasot Kiyga had just left her seventh-floor flat en route to work when she stepped into the lift. Moments later, the cabin jammed and then plummeted down the shaft, accompanied by heavy concrete counterweights.
Her husband, 34-year-old Gokhan Kiyga, was captured in harrowing footage attempting to prise open the lift doors from outside. He was seen calling for help and tugging at the lift’s button in a desperate bid to reach her. Kiyga reportedly injured his foot during the rescue attempt and was later seen holding his head in despair before racing down the stairs.
Source: Legit.ng
