Brazil bus hijacker killed by police

ANKARA

Authorities in Brazil confirmed a bus hijacker was shot dead Tuesday by military police after holding 37 passengers hostage for a number of hours.

The hijacker was neutralized by a precision shooter and all hostages were released unharmed, according to Military Police of Rio de Janeiro State (PMERJ).

Six victims were released during negotiations between police and the hijacker on Rio-Niteroi Bridge, it added.

Preliminary information that has not yet been confirmed said the hijacker was armed and identified himself as a police officer, while police stated said the gun used by the perpetrator was a simulacrum or toy, said the national public news agency, Agencia Brasil.

The bridge remains closed to the traffic while the investigation continues.