Fact Check: "Child screams during 8-hour flight between Germany and New Jersey"
What We Know
In August 2017, passengers aboard a Lufthansa flight from Germany to Newark, New Jersey, experienced significant distress due to a three-year-old child who reportedly screamed and ran around the cabin for the entire eight-hour duration of the flight. This incident was documented by Shane Townley, a passenger who uploaded a video to YouTube, which has since garnered millions of views. In his video, Townley described the situation as "torture," highlighting the child's incessant screaming and erratic behavior, which included climbing on seats and running through the aisles (Fox News, iHeartRadio).
Reports indicate that the child's mother attempted to calm him using an iPad, but the plane's WiFi was not available prior to takeoff, which may have exacerbated the situation (Daily Mail). Passengers were described as being "understanding" of the circumstances, although many expressed their distress during and after the flight (Patch).
Analysis
The claim that a child screamed during an eight-hour flight from Germany to New Jersey is supported by multiple sources, including firsthand accounts from passengers and video evidence. Townley's video captures the chaotic atmosphere, showing the child in distress and the reactions of other passengers, some of whom were visibly uncomfortable (iHeartRadio, Business Insider).
While the majority of reports focus on the disruptive behavior of the child, some sources also suggest that the child may have had a disability that contributed to his behavior, although this remains unconfirmed (Fox News). The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they include both video evidence and multiple eyewitness accounts. However, it is important to note that sensational language, such as describing the child as "demonic," may introduce bias and affect the perception of the incident (Mirror).
Conclusion
The claim that a child screamed during an eight-hour flight from Germany to New Jersey is True. The evidence from various credible sources, including video documentation and passenger testimonies, confirms that the child exhibited disruptive behavior throughout the flight, causing significant distress among other passengers. While the situation was unfortunate for all involved, it highlights the challenges of traveling with young children, particularly in confined spaces.
Sources
- Child Screams For Most of 8-Hour Long Flight
- ‘Demonic’ child throws 8-hour tantrum on Lufthansa flight in ...
- Child Screams & Whines For ENTIRE 8 HOUR Flight | Fasten ...
- Nightmare Flight as Child Screams Non-Stop For Eight Hours
- ‘Demonic’ Child Yells For 8 Hours During Flight To NJ (Video)
- VIDEO: 'Demonic' Child Screams Through 8-Hour Flight
- ‘Demonic’ tot screamed for entire 8-hour flight to NJ (VIDEO)
- Plane passengers forced to endure 'demonic' child's screams ...