Story By: Angjela Trajkovska, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit:CEN

This is the moment a bus passenger repeatedly hits the driver with a hammer before grabbing handfuls of coins and jumping out of the vehicle.

The incident was filmed by bus CCTV cameras in the port city of Antofagasta in the western Chilean province of the same name, and the 31-year-old suspect claimed he cannot remember anything as he was intoxicated at the time.

Reports did not mention whether the man was under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

According to local media, the unnamed passenger got on the bus and sat directly behind the driver with the intention of taking money from his takings.

Video Credit:CEN

The 31-year-old man then suddenly attacked the driver with a hammer before grabbing handfuls of coins and demanding that he open the bus doors.

After the hammer attack, the driver told local media that he initially thought he had been shot, adding: “The guy was shouting ‘die, die, I want you to die, idiot. I will kill you’.

“I tried to keep the bus under control, but I could not resist the attack because I had my seatbelt on.”

Reports said the driver was hit multiple times and was hospitalised with a disfigured nose and head injuries.

The suspect has since been arrested. He has appeared in court where he claimed he cannot remember the incident, telling the authorities he was intoxicated at the time.

Local media said that he will remain in custody for 60 days as the investigation continues.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.