American Hijacker Fatally Shot After Taking Control of Small Plane in Belize, Three Injured

In a dramatic and harrowing turn of events, three passengers were injured when an American citizen hijacked a small plane in Belize on Thursday. The hijacker, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a U.S. citizen, reportedly threatened passengers at knifepoint aboard a Tropic Air Belize flight.

The flight, which was scheduled to take off with 14 passengers aboard—including two Americans—was hijacked just before departure. Taylor allegedly demanded the plane be taken out of the country and insisted on refueling. Tensions escalated quickly as the plane circled the area, running dangerously low on fuel.

The situation took a deadly turn when a passenger on board, who was legally carrying a firearm, fatally shot the hijacker in the chest. The shot stopped the threat, but not before three Belizean passengers suffered knife wounds. Thankfully, despite the chaos, the plane managed to land safely, avoiding what could have been a much more catastrophic outcome.

According to police, the hijacker’s actions were communicated to authorities via text by a passenger on board, providing real-time updates of the unfolding situation. Investigators are still puzzled over how Taylor was able to board the flight with a knife, given security protocols.

Tropic Air Belize CEO Maximillian Greif praised the quick-thinking actions of the pilot, describing them as “nothing short of heroic.” He also acknowledged the airline’s commitment to training pilots to handle high-stress situations like the one that unfolded on Thursday.

“We pause to recognize the bravery, skill, and leadership that brought our aircraft home safely,” Greif said in a statement.

As the investigation continues, the U.S. Embassy has been notified and will assist local authorities in their probe. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, Tammy Bruce, expressed relief that the incident did not escalate into a mass casualty event. “We are grateful this did not turn into something much worse,” Bruce said during a press briefing.

Authorities revealed that Taylor had been denied entry into the country just days earlier. The investigation is now focused on how the hijacker managed to bypass border security and board the flight with the weapon.

This alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that can arise even on routine domestic flights, and the swift actions of passengers and crew likely prevented a much greater tragedy.

Source: ABC News – American citizen hijacks small plane in Belize, 3 injured: Police