A US man was shot dead after hijacking a small plane in Belize, leaving three people injured. The incident occurred on a Tropic Air flight, which was forced to circle over northern Belize and the capital, Belize City, after the suspect threatened the pilot with a knife.
A Desperate Flight
The plane, carrying several passengers, was on a routine flight from Corozal to San Pedro, a popular tourist destination off the coast of Belize. Akinyela Sawa Taylor, the US citizen at the center of the hijacking, allegedly pulled out a knife mid-flight and demanded the pilot change course. Taylor, believed to be a veteran, had previously been denied entry to Belize just a few days prior.
As the situation escalated, Taylor stabbed three people on board, including the pilot. One passenger, who was legally armed, fired back at Taylor. The injured individuals were taken to the hospital, where Taylor later died from his injuries.
Security Concerns
Authorities are now questioning how Taylor managed to bring the knife onto the plane. Many small airports in Belize lack adequate security measures, including thorough passenger screening.
The incident is under investigation, with the Belize government reaching out to the US Embassy for assistance. Luke Martin, a spokesperson for the US Embassy, said they have no information on Taylor’s background or motives at this time.
According to available records, Taylor was once a teacher in the US and had worked as an American football coach at McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri. The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hijacking.
Source: CNN