Belmopan [Belize], April 18 (HBTV): A knife-wielding US citizen attempted to hijack a small Tropic Air flight in Belize on Thursday (local time), injuring three people before being shot dead by a fellow passenger, according to the New York Post, citing officials.

The incident occurred mid-air on a flight bound for San Pedro, when the 49-year-old suspect began attacking other passengers with a knife.

The assailant was identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a US citizen, according to Belize Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.

Commissioner Williams praised the quick-thinking passenger who intervened and shot Taylor, calling the individual a ‘hero’, as reported by the New York Post.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how Taylor managed to bring a knife onto the aircraft.

Belizean officials have contacted the US Embassy to assist in the ongoing investigation into the attempted hijacking.

(ANI)