British News Agency

After the Tropic Air plane, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, landed safely, Belize police announced that the hijacker was Akinyela Taylor, a U.S. citizen.

Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams said that Taylor used a knife and stabbed three passengers on the plane. These passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Williams said the hijacker was shot by a passenger who had a permit to carry a firearm and later handed over the weapon to the police. According to the police chief, the passenger was also among the wounded and remains in critical condition as he was stabbed in the back and lungs.

U.S. Embassy spokesman Luke Martin confirmed that Taylor was a U.S. citizen. He also said that U.S. officials do not know the cause or reason but are working with Belizean authorities.

The plane circled randomly for hours before safely landing at the airport in the coastal town of Ladyville. The injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.