Three passengers injured in shocking mid-air standoff
Terror at the Tarmac
Chaos erupted in Belize on Thursday when an American citizen hijacked a small passenger plane just before takeoff. Authorities say the suspect, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, boarded a Tropic Air flight with 13 other passengers. He brandished a knife and demanded to be flown out of the country.
Taylor had been denied entry to Belize days earlier. Officials are now trying to determine how he managed to re-enter the country and board the plane undetected.
Violent Hijacking Ends in Deadly Force
According to police, Taylor threatened the pilot and demanded more fuel. He wanted the plane to leave Belize immediately. As the situation escalated, the aircraft circled the airport. Fuel levels dropped dangerously low.
In a dramatic turn, a passenger onboard drew a licensed firearm. The armed individual fatally shot Taylor in the chest. The incident prevented what police say could have been a far more tragic outcome.
Three passengers were injured during the hijacking. All victims, who suffered knife wounds, are Belizean nationals. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Passenger Sends Text Updates from Inside Plane
Police received critical updates from a passenger using a mobile phone. That individual was in contact with law enforcement as the events unfolded in real time. Officers rushed to the scene while the aircraft was still in the air.
When the plane finally landed, police stormed the tarmac. A video from the scene shows armed officers running toward the aircraft. Paramedics treated the injured as soon as the area was secured.
Pilot Praised for Quick Thinking
Tropic Air Belize CEO Maximillian Greif praised the crew, especially the pilot. He described the pilot’s response as “nothing short of heroic.”
“Our pilots undergo rigorous training to handle emergencies,” Greif said in a statement. “Today, we saw that training in action.”
The airline is offering support to those affected. Greif emphasized the company’s commitment to passenger safety.
Many Questions Remain
Investigators are still piecing together how Taylor boarded the plane with a weapon. Airports in Belize, like most countries, enforce strict security protocols. Police say it is unclear if Taylor used a fake identity or exploited a security gap.
The U.S. Embassy has confirmed it is assisting Belizean authorities. A State Department spokesperson said the agency is monitoring the situation closely.
“We are grateful this wasn’t worse,” said spokesperson Tammy Bruce. “With over a dozen people on board, it could have ended in mass tragedy.”
A Nation on Edge
The incident has shocked Belize and raised questions about airport security and immigration enforcement. Tropic Air, a popular regional carrier, serves domestic and international routes across Central America. Its safety record had previously been strong.
This hijacking is a rare and troubling event for the small nation. Officials hope the ongoing investigation will reveal how such a breach occurred—and how to prevent future threats.
As of Friday morning, the injured passengers were recovering, and the armed passenger who stopped the hijacker is being hailed as a hero. Authorities have not released the passenger’s identity.
A calm Thursday morning turned chaotic in Belize when a plane hijacking unfolded. Thanks to the actions of a brave passenger and a skilled pilot, a potential disaster was averted. But as investigations continue, questions about how Taylor gained access to the plane remain unanswered. For now, Belize—and the world—can only reflect on how close this flight came to catastrophe.
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