Dangerous Laser Pointers: Pyrotechnics Festival Goers Shine Lasers at Passenger Planes, Risking Lives and Legal Consequences

During Mexico’s National Pyrotechnics Festival, a model of a bull was burned as part of the festivities. The event, which takes place in Tultepec just north of Mexico City, attracts around 100,000 revelers annually. The festival lasts for seven days, with the main event occurring on March 8th.

Meanwhile, a shocking video posted on TikTok showed numerous people shining laser pointers at a passenger jet flying overhead during the festival. The video went viral, garnering over 30 million views. Shining lasers at aircraft is illegal in most countries and punishable by law. In the United States, individuals could face up to five years in prison for this offense.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many people questioning the legality and safety of such acts. In the US, laser incidents targeting aircraft have been on the rise, with the Federal Aviation Administration receiving a record 13,000 reports last year alone. The FAA issued a reminder that shining lasers at airplanes and helicopters is a federal crime that puts lives at risk.

In a previous case, a man was charged with aiming a laser pointer at a Delta Air Lines jet near Buffalo, New York. The accused could potentially face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers and legal consequences associated with pointing lasers at aircraft.

The festival goers had gathered to witness an impressive display of fireworks and pyrotechnics that lit up the night sky during the annual National Pyrotechnics Festival held in Tultepec just north of Mexico City.

During this time however, several individuals took it upon themselves to engage in dangerous behavior by shining laser pointers at an approaching passenger plane flying overhead.

A video posted online quickly went viral showing numerous people shining their laser pointers towards an airplane flying above them.

The footage showed two green laser beams being pointed directly at the plane as it continued its approach towards Felipe Ángeles International Airport.

As more people joined in on this act of recklessness, dozens of laser pointers were aimed towards the aircraft from different directions.