Last Sunday, May 6, marked the 75th anniversary of the 1937
Hindenburg disaster. The massive German airship caught fire
while attempting to land near Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 35
people aboard, plus one ground crew member. Of the 97 passengers
and crew members on board, 62 managed to survive. The horrifying
incident was captured by reporters and photographers and
replayed on radio broadcasts, in newsprint, and on newsreels.
News of the disaster led to a public loss of confidence in
airship travel, ending an era. Top: The Hindenburg floats past
the Empire State Building over Manhattan on August 8, 1936, en
route to Lakehurst, New Jersey, from Germany. Bottom: As the
lifting Hydrogen gas burned and escaped from the rear of the
Hindenburg, the tail dropped to the ground, sending a burst of
flame punching through the nose. Ground crew below scatter to
flee the inferno. See the rest. [Images: AP]