Americans were onboard hijacked plane in Mexico, source says
9/9/2009WASHINGTON — A U.S. official says American, French, and Mexican citizens were among the passengers aboard a hijacked plane in Mexico.
The U.S. official briefed on the matter says preliminary reports also indicate up to eight people were arrested in the incident. The official was not authorized to discuss the case and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official says the plane held 112 passengers and crew.
Television images showed police leading at least five men from the plane in handcuffs. Mexican news media reported the hijackers were Bolivian citizens demanding to speak with Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
Mexican Transportation and Communications Secretary Juan Molinar said all passengers and crew were safe.
“Various people who participated in the act have been detained and we are investigating,” he said.
He said there was no bomb on the airplane, although some passengers said one of the hijackers held a package that resembled an explosive device.
Passenger Rocio Garcia told the Televisa network that the crew made an announcement that the airplane was being hijacked once they landed in Mexico City.