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  • /WATCH: Festival-goers in Mexico point multiple laser beams at passenger plane, risking safety

WATCH: Festival-goers in Mexico point multiple laser beams at passenger plane, risking safety

WATCH: Festival-goers in Mexico point multiple laser beams at passenger plane, risking safety

Laser pointed at plane in Tultepec, Mexico

At a fireworks festival in Mexico, numerous laser beams were directed at a passenger aircraft in a dangerous manner. The incident occurred as the plane was flying over the annual National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec, with peoplein the crowd aiming multiple green laser beams towards it.

Footage recorded over the past weekend shows the aircraft being surrounded by the green rays. Users on social media condemned the actions of the festival attendees, with one expressing, "What is wrong with people??? This is extremely dangerous." Another individual remarked, "I wonder if they would find it amusing if they were passengers on that plane."

Watch the video here:

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Stricter laws in other countries

People in the UK who shine laser devices at transportation operators could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison.

Stricter legislation was implemented following an incident in 2016 where a Virgin Atlantic flight had to return to Heathrow airport after a laser was directed at the aircraft.

In the US, directing laser beams at aircraft constitutes a federal offence, with fines of up to £8,700 (around $11k)per violation.

Laser pointers exceeding one milliwatt in power output have been classified as prohibited weapons in Australia since 2008, following incidents where aircraft flying over Sydney were targeted.

The annual National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec commemorates the region's significance as the hub of the country's indigenous fireworks industry.

Up to 100,000 attendees participate in the festival, witnessing elaborate firework displays and partaking in processions.

It remains uncertain whether authorities in Mexico are investigating the video or if the airline involved has lodged a complaint with air safety regulators.

(With inputs from agencies)