Crime History: Blast at LaGuardia kills 11, injures 75

On this day, Dec. 29, in 1975, a bomb explosion at LaGuardia Airport killed 11 people and injured 75. The New York City airport was teeming with holiday travelers when a powerful blast exploded in the baggage claim area.

The bomb, equivalent to 25 sticks of dynamite, had been placed in a Trans World Airlines locker. The explosion sprayed metal and broken glass on travelers, limousine drivers and airline employees. The terminal’s luggage carousels and huge metal doors lay mangled.

No one ever claimed responsibility. However, authorities say they believe it had been staged by Croatian separatists after two similar bombings occurred in Grand Central Terminal, both of them attributed to Croatians.

No arrests have been made in the case.

– Scott McCabe

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