Belize: A shocking mid-air hijacking unfolded over Belize on Friday when a United states citizen aboard a domestic Tropic Air flight stabbed the pilot and three fellow passengers before being shot dead by one of the injured victims. The attacker, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, was allegedly a military veteran, though US officials have not confirmed his service background.

The incident occurred on a flight departing from Corozal, near Belize’s northern border with Mexico, en route to the popular tourist destination of San Pedro. There were 14 passengers and two crew members on board.

Authorities stated the plane veered off its flight path and flew erratically for nearly two hours before safely landing in Ladyville, escorted by a police helicopter. The hijacker had reportedly demanded that the plane divert to Mexico and, at one point, requested a refuelling stop.

During the struggle, Taylor stabbed the pilot, Howell Grange, and passengers Fitzgerald Brown and Jair Castañeda. Despite sustaining a punctured lung from a stab wound, Brown managed to shoot and kill Taylor with a licensed firearm carried on board. He later surrendered the weapon to authorities.

“All of us are grateful this didn’t become a mass casualty event,” said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a press briefing, calling the situation “horrifying”. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams praised Brown’s actions, calling him a hero.

The injured pilot and passengers were taken to hospital. Their injuries are serious but not life-threatening, though Brown remains in critical condition.

The motive behind the hijacking remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing in both Belize and the United States.