An American national met a tragic end on Thursday during an attempted hijacking of a plane in Belize.
The incident unfolded on a Tropic Air Belize flight, which was carrying 13 passengers, when Akinyela Sawa Taylor attempted to seize control of the aircraft using a knife shortly after its departure from Corozal en route to Belize City.
Taylor's demands included additional fuel and a flight out of the country, as reported by law enforcement. Despite having been previously denied entry into Belize, the circumstances surrounding his boarding of the flight remain under investigation. According to American Military News, the situation escalated when a Belizean passenger, who was legally armed, shot Taylor in the chest. This passenger is now in critical condition after sustaining stab wounds to the back and lungs.
Amid the chaos, two other passengers suffered knife injuries, though their conditions have not been disclosed. The aircraft, perilously close to exhausting its fuel supply, managed to land safely at an airport near Belize City nearly two hours later.
Tropic Air CEO Maximillian Greif praised the pilot's actions during the crisis, stating, In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing. His actions were nothing short of heroic. Meanwhile, Belize Commissioner of Police Chester Williams revealed that a helicopter was deployed to shadow the plane, ready to assist in a potential crash scenario.
The U.S. Embassy in Belize has confirmed its collaboration with local authorities as they continue their investigation into the incident. This event underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety of air travel, highlighting the critical role of individual responsibility and the right to self-defense in such dire situations.
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