Imagine the relief of landing safely after a flight, only to feel a sudden, sharp sting that turns your moment of relaxation into one of panic. According to ABC 7, this was the reality for the unfortunate traveler in Boston when she reached for her luggage and felt an intense, burning pain.
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, a passenger was picking up her check-in bags at Terminal E of Boston Logan International Airport after a flight back from Mexico. At around 7:30 pm, she experienced a sharp pain on her finger. Confused and alarmed, she quickly realized that she had been stung by a scorpion—a creature more commonly associated with the deserts of North and Central America than with an airport in Massachusetts.
Scorpions are known for their painful and sometimes venomous stings. According to the Mayo Clinic, while most species do not pose life-threatening danger to humans, some can cause severe symptoms including swelling, difficulty breathing, and even neurological effects. The woman in this case was reportedly taken for medical treatment though her condition has not been publicly disclosed.
How did a scorpion end up in Boston?
The biggest question surrounding this incident is how a scorpion ended up at baggage claim in Boston Logan’s Terminal E. Although predatory arachnids are not typically found in the Boston area - there are more than 2,000 species of scorpions worldwide according to Mayo Clinic . As such it could likely be case of wandering scorpion that somehow found its way to airport – or perhaps it simply wanted marvel revamped Terminal E which according Aviation Pros airport spent $800 million on!
Another feasible possibility could be that the scorpion managed travel undetected all way from Mexico several probable scenarios:
- Hitchhiking Luggage One most likely explanations scorpion crawled into passenger’s luggage while Mexico Given scorpions often hide dark enclosed spaces suitcase carry-on bag ideal hiding spot
- Cargo Hold Stowaway Another possibility scorpion transported cargo hold aircraft Scorpions known travel way especially shipments food produce other goods
- Cabin Intruder While less likely there rare instances scorpions appearing inside aircraft cabins more later This happen creature somehow made onto plane before departure then found into passenger’s belongings
Regardless how arrived Boston presence airport raises concerns pest control safety protocols international flights
Not first time shocking incidents planes
You’ve heard Snakes Plane even Snakes Train niche taste films have you heard scorpions plane While Logan incident first time caused panic during commercial air travel several documented cases passengers encountering mid-air
In 2017 Canadian man stung United Airlines Houston Calgary case unfortunate timing Richard Bell having lunch during flight fell head above him Thankfully sting life-threatening Bell received compensation United following
Related Cabin Crew Search For British Airways Austin London arachnid hitched ride transatlantic
Posts Another well-known United Flight 1554 San Francisco Atlanta 2019 experienced terrifying moment felt stinging sensation leg BBC report went toilet trousers scuttled away
Flight attendants responded quickly consulted MedLink physician ground provided medical guidance Woman then received attention upon landing before taken hospital named condition reported Surprisingly planes common think earlier year filmed crawling overhead bin Lion Air Indonesia also easyJet Paris Glasgow delayed overnight spotted board In similar happened recently 2023 passengers British Airways Austin unsettled spotted crawling loose cabin sighting prompted immediate action crew conducted thorough search attempting locate Despite efforts never found leaving unsettled remainder no one highlighted potential end up cabins hitching ride through transport Cases along demonstrate find onto commercial posing unexpected risks travelers concern found parts world especially warm dry regions Southwestern Africa Middle East While deadly extremely painful serious reactions individuals Symptoms Mayo Clinic Intense burning site Swelling redness Numbness tingling Muscle twitching Difficulty severe Nausea vomiting For encountering terrifying particularly unaware handle Preventing traveling those traveling common taking simple precautions reduce risk unwanted Check Shoes Clothing often dark places including shoes blankets Always shake inspect putting Keep Luggage Closed staying hotels accommodations prone zipped shut use Cautious Night nocturnal creatures meaning active careful walking barefoot dimly lit areas Use Insect Repellent repellents deter approaching living ensuring cabins properly inspected cleaned prevent occurring Final thoughts shocking sting reminder arise anywhere seemingly safe claim Such rare highlight importance vigilance especially known diverse unlucky routine arrival turned painful frightening ordeal incidents show cause chaos mid-flight airlines continue improve protocols serves cautionary tale everywhere aware surroundings sometimes danger come unexpected forms
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