30/08/2025
On January 26, 1972, Vesna Vulović, a 22-year-old Serbian flight attendant, was aboard JAT Yugoslav Airlines Flight 367, a DC-9 en route from Stockholm to Belgrade. During the flight, a suitcase bomb exploded in the baggage compartment, causing the aircraft to break apart mid-air. The tail section, where Vesna was located, plummeted approximately 33,000 feet (10,160 meters) before crashing into a snow-covered hillside near Srbská Kamenice in Czechoslovakia.
Remarkably, Vesna was the only survivor among the 28 passengers and crew. She was found by a local villager, Bruno Honke, who heard her screams and provided first aid until rescuers arrived. Vesna suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull, three broken vertebrae, broken legs, ribs, and pelvis, leading to temporary paralysis from the waist down. She was in a coma for 27 days and underwent extensive rehabilitation over 16 months.
Despite the odds, Vesna made a remarkable recovery and returned to work as a flight attendant. She later transitioned to a desk job at JAT Airlines and became a prominent figure in Yugoslavia, known for her resilience and determination.
In recognition of her extraordinary survival, Vesna was awarded the Guinness World Record for the highest fall survived without a parachute. Her story continues to inspire people worldwide, serving as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Emotional Takeaway: Vesna Vulović's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that can emerge in the face of unimaginable adversity.
