A plane bound for Dubai has made an emergency landing in Chittagong, Bangladesh, after a hijacking attempt, airline and aviation officials have confirmed. The suspect was killed during a police operation.
Following the emergency landing, the plane was immediately surrounded by law enforcement. Grainy footage showing people fleeing from the plane has emerged online. People can be seen running from the plane while presumably airport workers or law enforcement are rushing towards the aircraft.
All of the passengers were rescued, but the suspect remained on board and the standoff continued for some time.
“There were 142 passengers and all of them have come out from the aircraft safely,” Shakil Miraj, the airline’s general manager, told Reuters.
As passengers were evacuated, one crew member remained on the plane with the hijacker, as a hostage. While initial media reports suggested that the suspect had surrendered to the police, it was later confirmed that he was actually killed when special forces stormed the aircraft.
The hijacker was in possession of a pistol and an apparent suicide belt, yet it remains unclear whether the explosives and the firearm were genuine or fake. The man is believed to be a Bangladeshi, though his actual identity has yet to be established.