Plane hijacking in Belize ends with attacker shot by passenger

• What happened? An armed man, Akinyela Sawa Taylor, commandeered a small passenger plane in Belize, Central America, demanding it be flown beyond the country's borders. During the incident, shots were fired, and two people were injured.
• Where and when did it take place? The incident occurred on the flight from Corozal to San Pedro in the Belize District, on Ambergris Caye Island. The plane eventually landed at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City.
• The attacker died in the hospital. His motives remain unknown. Authorities have announced a review of security procedures.

During the flight from Corozal to San Pedro in Belize, Akinyela Sawa Taylor took control of the plane. He demanded the pilot fly beyond the country's borders, using a knife to threaten the pilot and passengers, injuring two people.

While circling over the coast near Belize City, one of the passengers took a desperate step and shot Taylor, hitting him in the chest.

After these dramatic scenes, the plane landed safely at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport. However, Taylor died in the hospital due to the injuries sustained.

As a result of the shooting, two people were injured, with one in critical condition. The Police Commissioner in Belize, Chester Williams, emphasized that a greater tragedy was averted as the plane was running low on fuel during landing. The police coordinated actions at various airports, unsure of where the plane would ultimately land.

Following the incident in Belize, a detailed review of security procedures concerning domestic flights is planned. The US Embassy in Belize has declared its cooperation with local authorities to ensure the safety of tourists and residents.