US Citizen Hijacks Plane in Belize, Injuring Three Before Being Shot and Killed

World

A US citizen, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, hijacked a Tropic Air plane in Belize on Thursday, injuring three people before being shot and killed.

The incident unfolded mid-flight when Taylor, believed to be a military veteran, pulled a knife and demanded the pilot take him out of the country. The plane was flying between northern Belize and the capital, Belize City, and was dangerously low on fuel as the hijacking continued.

According to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, Taylor stabbed three people on board, including the pilot. During the chaotic situation, a passenger on the plane, who was armed with a licensed firearm, shot and fatally wounded Taylor as the plane made an emergency landing outside the city.

Both Taylor and the injured passenger were rushed to the hospital, but Taylor succumbed to his injuries, while the injured passenger remains in treatment.

The authorities are continuing their investigation into the events surrounding the hijacking.