U.S. Citizen Fatally Shot After Hijacking Plane in Belize, Three Passengers Injured
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
A U.S. citizen was shot and killed after allegedly hijacking a small commercial aircraft at knifepoint in Belize on Thursday, leaving three passengers injured, according to police reports.
The incident occurred aboard a Tropic Air Belize flight traveling from Corozal to San Pedro. The suspect, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, an American and military veteran, reportedly boarded the plane along with 13 other passengers and two crew members before brandishing a knife and demanding to be flown out of the country.
Authorities stated that Taylor insisted the aircraft be diverted and requested more fuel. During the attempted hijacking, he stabbed two passengers and a pilot. In response, a fellow passenger, who was legally armed, fatally shot Taylor in the chest. The firearm was later turned over to police. That passenger, who was also stabbed during the altercation, remains in critical condition due to wounds to his back and lungs. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams referred to him as “our hero” and expressed hope for his recovery.
While the aircraft was in flight, it began circling erratically as fuel levels dropped dangerously low. Despite the chaotic circumstances, the pilot successfully landed the plane at an airport in the coastal town of Ladyville, just outside Belize City. Authorities described the pilot’s actions as heroic. All remaining passengers were accounted for and safely evacuated. The three injured individuals, all Belizean nationals, were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Officials revealed that Taylor had previously been denied entry into Belize via its northern border with Mexico over the weekend. How he later gained access to the country remains under investigation.
The U.S. Embassy has confirmed its cooperation with Belizean authorities as investigations continue. Embassy officials stated that the motive behind the hijacking is still unclear but emphasized relief that a larger tragedy was averted.
In a statement, Tropic Air Belize CEO Maximillian Greif praised the pilot’s professionalism and bravery, emphasizing that rigorous training and quick thinking prevented what could have been a mass casualty event.
The hijacking occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time, prompting an emergency declaration by the Belize Airport Concession Company (BACC). Updates during the incident were communicated by one passenger via text, helping authorities stay informed in real time.
Investigators are now focused on understanding how the suspect bypassed airport security with a knife and how he managed to enter Belize despite being denied entry just days earlier.
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