A small passenger plane was hijacked by a knife-wielding man in Belize on Thursday, resulting in a deadly confrontation with the alleged hijacker. The Tropic Air aircraft, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, was reportedly circling in the air when it landed at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
Belize’s Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed the hijacking during a press conference on Thursday, stating that the suspect, Akinyela Taylor, a U.S. national and military veteran, demanded to be flown out of the country to Mexico or the United States. The plane eventually landed, and Taylor was shot in the chest by an airline employee, Howell Grange.
Williams described the scene as chaotic, with staff “freaking out” at the airport. Passengers were met by police upon landing, and some were taken to the hospital for treatment. A passenger who shot at the hijacker was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The incident is the latest instance of violence on a plane, though hijackings have become increasingly rare over the years. Authorities are still investigating the incident and discussing ways to improve air travel safety.
Note: The article has been updated with additional information.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/plane-reportedly-hijacked-knife-wielding-man-2061158