Remembering: The Hindenburg

The Hindenburg was the fastest, largest, and most luxurious blimp. More than eight hundred feet long, it could travel eight thousand miles, carrying ninety-seven passengers, with speeds nearing one hundred miles per hour. It was filled with hydrogen, instead of the safer helium, for better handling. During 1936 it handled ten cross Atlantic journeys.

On May 6, 1937 it was flying into Lakehurst, New Jersey. Weather conditions delayed it's arrival from morning to evening. When it was finally cleared for docking, the captain brought the ship in way too fast, and an emergency reverse was required.

Within moments of the reverse, leaking gas was noticed by the crew. Moments later there was fire, and then the whole ship was ablaze. Spectators awaiting the arrival said they could feel the heat from a mile away. Thirty-five of the ninety-seven people on board, died from the fire or in attempts to jump from the blimp; one grounds crew man also lost his life.

On WLS radio, announcer Herbert Morrison, gave a live account of the disaster, one which still rings through history. Cameras were rolling as well, so some of it was recorded visually for posterity.