Laser attack in Fulda: Two children blind rescue helicopter!

Laser attack in Fulda: Two children blind rescue helicopter!

Today, on August 14, 2025, an incident occurred in Fulda in the Aschenberg district that caused a stir. On Tuesday evening, August 12, authorities were called to a scene after a resident reported being blinded by a green laser pointer. What is particularly explosive is the fact that the crew of the rescue helicopter Christoph 28 also reported this blinding during an overflight.

A short time later, police investigators found two boys, ages 9 and 10, in a nearby home handling the laser pointer. These two children spent the night with the nine-year-old's grandparents. The officers held a detailed conversation with the boys and their grandparents and drew attention to the dangers that such actions can pose.

Dangers to air traffic

Blinding pilots with laser pointers represents a serious, dangerous interference with air traffic. Such acts are not only punishable, they can also lead to catastrophic accidents. “Glare can cause visibility obstructions and distractions that could cause a crash,” police said. In the worst case, the perpetrators face a prison sentence of six months to ten years, as such offenses are punished as dangerous interference with air traffic safety.

The latest figures show that there has been an increase in laser glare on aircraft over the past two months, particularly around Frankfurt Airport. This shows that the problem is becoming more and more present. Often thoughtlessly, ignorance or carelessness could be the reasons for these dangerous incidents. The police are therefore appealing to the public to report such dangerous actions immediately.

The extent of the problem

Every year in Germany there are hundreds of cases in which pilots are blinded by lasers. Last year, for example, 526 of these incidents were documented, a slight decrease compared to 534 cases the year before. This glare is particularly risky during the approach and departure phases, where the pilots' visibility is crucial for the safety of the flight. According to statistics, more than half of incidents occur at altitudes between 3,000 and 11,000 feet.

The radiation from these laser pointers can not only severely impair a pilot's vision, but can also cause serious health consequences. A 100 mW laser pointer can cause damage in just two microseconds, while the body's reaction time is completely different. Therefore, increased vigilance is required.

Overall, it can be said that the danger posed by laser glare is often underestimated. In Fulda, the police's quick action may have prevented major damage. However, it remains important to educate the public about the risks and legal consequences of such actions. We must not allow imprudence to endanger our air transport system.