An American Airways flight certain for John Wayne Airport in Orange County was diverted to Denver on Tuesday after one of many passengers attacked a flight attendant.
Passengers on the flight reported that the alleged assault was prompted by a disagreement between an unnamed male traveller and cabin crew about masks sporting.
Mackenzie Rose, one other passenger on the flight, informed CBSLA that the incident occurred about midway by way of the journey, with the airplane re-routing over Ohio for an emergency touchdown in Denver.
The passenger suspected of assaulting the flight attendant was reportedly in first or enterprise class, and witnesses informed press the crew member was left with blood on their face.
“I perceive that he truly punched her twice. I did see her stroll again down the aisle afterwards. She had blood splattered on the surface of her masks,” stated Ms Rose.
“For those who’re not ready to put on a masks, you’re not ready to fly, is form of the ethical of the story. That was why she was angered, was as a result of… there was an impression that there is likely to be a substance or alcohol concerned,” she added.
One other passenger calling himself Jack stated a health care provider onboard the plane had examined the flight attendant after the incident.
“Yeah, there was a health care provider on the flight, fortunately. So, I don’t know. He stated [her nose] wasn’t damaged, however it was bleeding, in order that they took her to the hospital,” he stated.
The airplane was in a position to land safely at Denver Worldwide, the place cops escorted the offending passenger from the airplane and the flight attendant was transferred to hospital.
An announcement from American Airways learn: “We’re outraged by the stories of what came about on board. Acts of violence in opposition to our crew members usually are not tolerated by American Airways.
“Now we have engaged native regulation enforcement and the FBI and we’re working with them to make sure they’ve all the data they want.
“The person concerned on this incident won’t ever be allowed to journey with American Airways sooner or later, however we won’t be glad till he has been prosecuted to the total extent of the regulation.
“This behaviour should cease and aggressive enforcement and prosecution of the regulation is one of the best deterent.
“We thank our crew for his or her fast motion and professionalism to make sure the security of their fellow crew members and clients on board.
“Our ideas are with our injured flight attendant and making certain that she and her fellow crew members have the assist they want right now.”
They didn’t give an replace on the situation of the flight attendant, citing “privateness causes”.