A person hijacked a small aircraft within the Central American nation of Belize and stabbed two passengers and a pilot earlier than being shot and killed by one of many stabbed passengers, officers have mentioned.
The Tropic Air aircraft was travelling from Corozal to the favored vacationer vacation spot of San Pedro with 14 passengers and two crew members on board when it was hijacked.
The Cessna Caravan circled in random instructions for practically two hours and was adopted by a police helicopter earlier than it touched down at an airport within the coastal city of Ladyville.
Authorities in Belize declared a full emergency when the incident started round 8.30am native time, in accordance with the Belize Airport Concession Firm.
“In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing,” mentioned Maximillian Greif, the CEO of the airline firm.
“His actions were nothing short of heroic.”
The 2 wounded passengers and pilot have been being handled for his or her accidents at a hospital, officers mentioned.
A US State Division spokesperson described the incident as “horrifying”.
The Belize police commissioner, Chester Williams, recognized the hijacker as Akinyela Taylor and mentioned he was a US army veteran, however US officers didn’t verify that element.
One of many stabbed passengers was licensed to hold a firearm and shot and killed Taylor, the commissioner mentioned.
He was stabbed within the again and suffered a puncture to his lungs and stays in vital situation.
“We are praying for him,” Mr Williams mentioned. “He’s our hero.”
He mentioned Taylor was demanding to be flown in another country, probably to Mexico, and at one level wished the aircraft to land to tackle extra gasoline.
A US Embassy spokesperson in Belize mentioned Taylor additionally insisted he be taken to the US, including: “We don’t know why he wanted to go back to the United States.”
US officers mentioned they have no idea Taylor’s motive for the hijacking however have been working with authorities in Belize to find what occurred.
