78 Dead in Yugoslavia's Largest Air Disaster as Plane Engulfed in Flames
Translated from Croatian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- A devastating air disaster in former Yugoslavia killed 78 people, with survivors describing horrific scenes of fire and agony.
- Passengers and crew were strapped into their seats as the plane burned, with screams heard from the wreckage.
- The incident occurred during what was then the largest air disaster in the history of Yugoslavia.
The largest air disaster in Yugoslavia's history unfolded with horrific intensity, claiming the lives of 78 people. Survivors recounted scenes of unimaginable terror as the aircraft caught fire, trapping passengers and crew. Strapped into their seats, victims were engulfed by flames, with screams echoing from the burning wreckage.
The disaster struck with brutal swiftness. Within minutes of a fire erupting in the galley, the plane was ablaze, fueled by spilled aviation fuel. The initial moments were marked by a desperate struggle for survival as those on board dangled upside down, still secured by their seatbelts.
Strapped into their seats, stewardesses and passengers hung upside down. Screams, pleas for help, calls for assistance could be heard from the wreckage of the plane...
The aftermath was a scene of devastation, with survivors describing the agonizing moments of the crash and the subsequent inferno. The event remains a grim testament to the fragility of life and the catastrophic potential of air travel.
Just five minutes later, a fire broke out in the galley, and a few minutes after that, the spilled fuel ignited. Dramatic moments of agony followed.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.