Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

Cooley Hurd

(26,877 posts)
Fri May 6, 2016, 01:10 PM May 2016

79 years ago today...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_disaster



The Hindenburg disaster occurred on May 6, 1937, as the German passenger airship LZ 129 Hindenburg caught fire and was destroyed during its attempt to dock with its mooring mast at Naval Air Station Lakehurst in Manchester Township, New Jersey, United States. Of the 97 people on board (36 passengers and 61 crewmen), there were 35 fatalities (13 passengers and 22 crewmen). One worker on the ground was also killed, making a total of 36 fatalities.

The disaster was the subject of spectacular newsreel coverage, photographs, and Herbert Morrison's recorded radio eyewitness reports from the landing field, which were broadcast the next day. A variety of hypotheses have been put forward for both the cause of ignition and the initial fuel for the ensuing fire. The incident shattered public confidence in the giant, passenger-carrying rigid airship and marked the abrupt end of the airship era.


3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
79 years ago today... (Original Post) Cooley Hurd May 2016 OP
Sad. I know many of us use "Oh, the humanity" as a punch line, but it was horrible. merrily May 2016 #1
Apparently, hydrogen was considered safe... CompanyFirstSergeant May 2016 #2
This still is a horrific thing to watch Rhiannon12866 May 2016 #3
 

CompanyFirstSergeant

(1,558 posts)
2. Apparently, hydrogen was considered safe...
Fri May 6, 2016, 01:35 PM
May 2016

..by the Germans.

The Americans had helium (non-flammable), but they would not share the procedure to create it with the Germans.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»79 years ago today...