Watch Out! This Passenger's Hammer Rampage at the Airport Could Affect Your Next Flight

Travelling can be stressful, and we've all had our moments of frustration with airlines and airports. But one passenger's response to his travel woes has raised serious concerns about airport security and the potential impact on fellow travellers, especially those of us in our golden years who look forward to hassle-free journeys.


In a shocking display of anger, Emmanuel Bony, a Haitian national, unleashed his fury not once but twice at Santiago International Airport in Chile. Armed with a hammer, Bony went on a destructive spree, smashing airport display screens and glass panels in a bizarre repeat of an earlier rampage at the same location.


1741065505535.png
Destructive behaviour was reported at Santiago International Airport as glass panels and screens smashed. Credit: @keylinacosta / X


The incident, which occurred on February 21, was reportedly triggered when an airline staffer declined to assist Bony with his request to return to Haiti. Having had his Chilean residency revoked after the first attack, Bony attempted to communicate with the airline workers using a megaphone but was asked to leave by security. He returned shortly after, hammer in hand, and began his violent tirade.


Terrified passengers watched and recorded as Bony shattered a row of screens near the ticket counter, paced around shouting, and eventually broke the airport's glass sliding doors. His rampage didn't stop there; he proceeded to a restaurant within the airport and destroyed a row of glass panels.

The following day, Bony was arrested by the Investigations Police of Chile, who found a knife, matches, and flammable liquid in his possession. A court judge has since ordered Bony to be held in pretrial detention for up to 60 days while the case is being investigated.

Witness Ricardo Aguilera suggested that the situation could have been avoided with a bit more empathy from the airline agent. Aguilera noted that Bony never threatened any passengers but expressed concern about the potential for greater harm, saying, 'Imagine if he had a gun. He could have killed several people, and no one would have done anything.'


This isn't Bony's first brush with notoriety. He previously went viral on August 27, 2024, for a similar outburst at an American Airlines counter at the same airport. After smashing items at the counter with a hammer, he claimed he was frustrated for not being allowed to check in for a flight to Miami because he lacked a visa, despite having paid $1,000 for the ticket.

The implications of such incidents are far-reaching. Not only do they pose a direct threat to the safety of passengers and staff, but they also highlight potential gaps in airport security measures. These events can be particularly unsettling for seniors who value safety and predictability when travelling.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we must be vigilant and aware of our surroundings, especially in environments like airports where tensions can run high. It's also a reminder to check the security protocols of the airports we plan to use and to stay informed about any incidents that might affect our travel plans.


Credit: X

Key Takeaways
  • Emmanuel Bony, a man from Haiti, engaged in destructive behaviour at Santiago International Airport, smashing display screens and a restaurant’s glass panels.
  • The violent outburst happened after Bony was denied assistance by airline staff as he sought to return to Haiti.
  • Bony was previously involved in a similar incident six months earlier at the same airport and had his Chilean residency revoked as a result.
  • He was arrested the following day, with a court ordering him to be held in pretrial detention for up to 60 days as the investigation continues.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences. Have you ever witnessed a similar incident during your travels? How did it affect your perception of airport security? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to stay safe and informed on your next adventure.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Dynomite

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×