In Belize, a U.S. citizen hijacked a small Tropic Air plane at knifepoint, injuring three other passengers. The attacker was later shot and killed by a fellow passenger who was carrying a licensed firearm. The incident occurred mid-air when the assailant attempted to seize control of the plane, which was carrying 14 passengers.
Reports citing police say the plane circled in the air for some time after the hijacking attempt began, and eventually returned to Belize due to running low on fuel.
The man who created the terror onboard the Tropic Air flight was identified as Akinyele Sav Taylor. He was shot and killed by a passenger during the incident. Three people were reportedly injured. The incident occurred while the flight was traveling from Corozal, a small town near Belize’s border with Mexico, to the popular tourist destination of San Pedro.
At around 8:30 a.m., an emergency was declared at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport after Taylor began attacking people onboard the flight bound for San Pedro. He was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Reports indicate that Taylor entered Belize earlier this week, but police later stated that he had been denied entry into the country over the weekend.
Police Commissioner Chester Williams said Taylor stabbed three people onboard the plane, including the pilot and the passenger who eventually shot him. The passenger reportedly fired at the attacker after being stabbed. The plane remained airborne for about two hours before making a safe landing.
