JAT Flight 367 Bombing and Vesna Vulović's Survival
January 26th, 1972
January 26th, 1972

How Long Ago?
53 years, 1 month, 17 days ago
Location
Czechoslovakia
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Vesna Vulović
- Croatian National Resistance members
Links & References
Tags
JAT Flight 367 Bombing and Vesna Vulović's Survival
JAT Flight 367, a DC-9, was destroyed by a terrorist bomb while flying over Czechoslovakia, resulting in the deaths of 27 out of the 28 people on board. Among the passengers and crew was flight attendant Vesna Vulović, who astonishingly survived the horrific explosion despite sustaining critical injuries. The incident marked one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism at the time, raising concerns about flight safety and security measures.
JAT Flight 367 bombed by Croatian terrorists.
27 out of 28 passengers killed in the attack.
Vesna Vulović survived and made a remarkable recovery.
Incident led to increased aviation security measures.
What Happened?
JAT Flight 367 was on a scheduled domestic flight from Stockholm, Sweden, to Belgrade, Yugoslavia, on January 26, 1972. Approximately 27 minutes into the flight, while flying over Czechoslovakia, the aircraft suffered a catastrophic mid-air explosion due to a bomb planted by a terrorist group, the Croatian National Resistance. This bombing was part of a broader campaign to seek independence for Croatia from Yugoslavia and targeted symbols of Yugoslav authority. The plane broke apart in the sky, with wreckage falling over a remote area near the village of Srbska Kamenice. The immediate outcome was devastating, as 27 of the 28 individuals aboard lost their lives in the tragedy. However, one of the flight attendants, Vesna Vulović, survived after being thrown from the wreckage and landing in a heavily wooded area, which is considered remarkable due to the extreme circumstances.Vesna Vulović became an international symbol of survival against overwhelming odds. She was discovered by a local villager, who rushed her to the hospital. Despite suffering severe injuries, including spinal damage, she underwent rehabilitation and made a remarkable recovery. The incident garnered significant media attention, not only for the tragedy itself but also due to the extraordinary survival of one of the crew members. It triggered discussions about aviation security, prompting various countries to enhance safety protocols on commercial flights. The event is also notable within the context of the rising tensions in Yugoslavia and the eventual disintegration of the country during the 1990s. The bombing of Flight 367 remains a critical point of analysis for aviation security and terrorism studies.
Why Does it Matter?
The bombing of JAT Flight 367 is significant as it exemplifies the increasing risks associated with air travel during a period where political tensions were manifesting in acts of violence. It served as a wake-up call to the global aviation community regarding the need for enhanced security measures and protocols to protect passengers. Additionally, the survival of Vesna Vulović became a focal point for discussions about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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