Passengers held hostage on plane in Jamaica

Monday, 20th April 2009

Most of the 150 passengers said to be on board the CanJet charter flight to Halifax, Nova Scotia, were released, but a few passengers and the crew were forced to remain on the plane by the gunman.

Reporters at the scene said the gunman breached airport security by showing false identification, and boarded the plane as it prepared to depart at 10:30pm local time.

Airport staff indicated that the gunman checked in for the flight and forced his way through security, carrying a gun.

The passengers who were released said that the gunman robbed them after he boarded the flight and then let them go. It was reported that a shot was heard, but apparently no one was hurt.

Negotiations were said to be underway to secure the release of the few remaining hostages, but it was not clear what the gunman was demanding.

Airport security officers and police cordoned off the airport.

Security at Sangster International Airport is generally considered to be very good. It is one of the most modern airports in the Caribbean, handling four million passengers each year.

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