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Gunman holds up Jamaica aircraft Jamaica plane hijacker surrenders
(10 minutes later)
A man has hijacked a passenger plane in the Jamaican resort of Montego Bay, and is still holding six crew members hostage, reports say. A gunman who hijacked a passenger plane in the Jamaican resort of Montego Bay has surrendered, the country's information ministry has said.
More than 150 passengers were on board when the man forced his way onto the Canada-bound plane demanding passage to Cuba. All were later released. Six crew members held hostage by the man were released unharmed.
More than 150 passengers were on board when the man forced his way onto the Canada-bound plane demanding passage to Cuba. All were released within hours.
The man breached security and boarded as the plane was about to take off at around 2230 local time (0330 GMT).The man breached security and boarded as the plane was about to take off at around 2230 local time (0330 GMT).
Negotiations for the release of the hostages are said to be taking place. Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who has been offering support to the passengers, is on his way to the aircraft.
"The situation is ongoing," said airport spokeswoman Elizabeth Scotton, quoted by the Associated Press.
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has taken charge of the situation and has been offering support to the passengers.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is also currently in Jamaica, on a one-day visit following the recent Summit of the Americas in Trinidad.Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is also currently in Jamaica, on a one-day visit following the recent Summit of the Americas in Trinidad.
'No-one hurt''No-one hurt'
The gunman reportedly checked in for the flight then forced his way past checkpoints and went on board brandishing a firearm.The gunman reportedly checked in for the flight then forced his way past checkpoints and went on board brandishing a firearm.
Vice-president of CanJet Kent Woodside: 'The safety of the crew is paramount'Vice-president of CanJet Kent Woodside: 'The safety of the crew is paramount'
He is said to have robbed passengers, most of whom were released after half an hour. Unconfirmed reports say a shot was fired outside the aircraft, probably on the boarding bridge, but no-one was hit.He is said to have robbed passengers, most of whom were released after half an hour. Unconfirmed reports say a shot was fired outside the aircraft, probably on the boarding bridge, but no-one was hit.
Two of the passengers were held for several hours before being released, according to reports.Two of the passengers were held for several hours before being released, according to reports.
The charter airline that owns the Boeing 737 plane, CanJet, said 182 people were on board, including 174 passengers.The charter airline that owns the Boeing 737 plane, CanJet, said 182 people were on board, including 174 passengers.
"All passengers have been safely removed from the aircraft, but CanJet crew and the armed man remain on board," the airline said in a statement quoted by Reuters news agency.
Officials said two of the crew had been released and six were still being held.
Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz told CNN the gunman was Jamaican, a "mentally challenged youngster" who was demanding to be flown to Cuba.Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz told CNN the gunman was Jamaican, a "mentally challenged youngster" who was demanding to be flown to Cuba.
The aircraft was bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, but was due to stop in Santa Clara in Cuba on the way.The aircraft was bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, but was due to stop in Santa Clara in Cuba on the way.
Most passengers, all of whom are Canadian, were taken to a local hospital, some of them suffering from shock.Most passengers, all of whom are Canadian, were taken to a local hospital, some of them suffering from shock.
Police and security services have closed and cordoned off the airport and surrounded the plane. Police and security services closed and cordoned off the airport and surrounded the plane as the situation developed.
Correspondents say security at Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport is normally very good.Correspondents say security at Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport is normally very good.
The airport, one of the most modern in the Caribbean, handles about four million passengers a year.The airport, one of the most modern in the Caribbean, handles about four million passengers a year.
Were you on board the plane or in the area at the time of the incident? Send us your comments or photos using the form below:Were you on board the plane or in the area at the time of the incident? Send us your comments or photos using the form below:
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions