United Airlines flight 613 from Nigeria to Washington DC plunges mid-flight, Boeing plane to be investigated

Nearly 40 people have been injured after a Boeing plane suddenly plunged mid-flight, throwing passengers into walls and the ceiling, with six people hospitalised from the terrifying ordeal.

Around 90 minutes after take off, United Airlines flight 613 from Nigeria to Washington DC, a Boeing 787-8(N27903) Dreamliner, rapidly dropped altitude.

The 245 passengers and 11 crew were midway through meal service when the terrifying fall occurred, jolting passengers and sending food, cutlery and trays flying.

A video posted to social media shows the panic and carnage in the moments after the drop, with passengers heard screaming, some also showing injuries.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE

Images posted online showed a red liquid splattered on the wall of the cabin.

The pilot made an emergency landing, returning to Lagos, where medical crews were on standby to treat the injured passengers and crew.

The cause of the sudden drop is currently unclear, United Airlines told CNN, however, they said severe turbulence was not a contributing factor.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed that six people - four passengers and two crew - were seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

United Airlines has confirmed the passengers and crew have been discharged from hospital and said its “working with aviation authorities in the US and Nigeria to understand the cause.”