On this day, May 6, in 1937, the German zeppelin Hindenburg caught fire and was destroyed in New Jersey. Thirty-six people were killed.
At 7:25 p.m., as the Hindenburg attempted to dock in Lakehurst, N.J., a flame appeared on the outer cover of the rear of the airship. Within 34 seconds, the entire dirigible was engulfed in flames.
The spectacular crash was captured by newsreel cameras and Herbert Morrison’s famous radio report.
There has been much speculation about the cause, including sabotage, but investigators have never determined what started the fire.
As a crime-related aside, the investigating lawyer involved with the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s investigation, South Trimble Jr., was murdered at his home in Northwest D.C. in 1974. His death remains unsolved.
