A horrific incident took place on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany. On 25 October, Saturday, an Indian passenger allegedly attacked two teenagers with a fork shortly after the meal was served on the plane.
According to the Massachusetts District Attorney’s Office in the United States, the accused, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli (28), an Indian national, attacked two 17-year-old passengers on the plane.
He first hit one teenager on the shoulder, then stuck a fork into the back of the head of another teenager. The impact caused a cut on the head of one passenger.
Chaos on the plane and panic among passengers
Immediately after the incident, the cabin crew tried to control the situation. However, the accused passenger caused more panic – he pretended to pull the ‘trigger’ with his finger and pretended to be a gun with his mouth. He then slapped a female passenger next to him and tried to hit a crew member.
The pilot immediately decided to land the flight at Boston Logan International Airport after the plane was safely grounded. Usiripalli was arrested by local authorities after the plane landed safely.
Identity of the accused and legal action
The US Department of Justice said that Praneeth Kumar had come to the United States to study for a Biblical Studies Masters program and had entered the country on a student visa.
His legal status is also currently in question. He has been charged with “assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to cause bodily harm” on board the plane. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Social media reactions
The incident has been met with mixed reactions online. Some have questioned when metal forks started being used on airplanes!
Others have expressed surprise that such an incident is almost tantamount to attempted murder.
Lufthansa’s response and assistance to passengers
Lufthansa said in a statement that the flight had to be diverted due to the accused’s “unwanted behavior.” After the plane landed safely, hotels and alternative flights were arranged for all passengers.
The company praised the passengers for their patience and said that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority.
Watch the video here.
@nbcnews A Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany was diverted to Boston after a man stabbed two teenage passengers with a metal fork, authorities say.
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