B-25 Empire State Building crash facts for kids
A B-25 Mitchell like the one that crashed into the Empire State Building.
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| Accident summary | |
|---|---|
| Date | July 28, 1945 |
| Summary | Controlled flight into terrain (building) |
| Place | Empire State Building, New York City |
| Crew | 3 |
| Fatalities | 14 (11 in building and 3 crew) |
| Aircraft type | B-25 Mitchell |
| Aircraft name | Old John Feather Merchant |
| Airline/user | U.S Army Air Forces |
| Registration | 41-30577 |
| Flew from | Bedford Army Air Field Bedford, Massachusetts |
The B-25 Empire State Building crash was a surprising plane accident that happened on July 28, 1945. On that day, a B-25 Mitchell airplane flew into the famous Empire State Building in New York City. This happened because of very thick fog. Sadly, 14 people lost their lives: three people who were on the plane and eleven people inside the building. The crash also caused about $1,000,000 in damage.
The plane hit the building between the 78th and 80th floors. It left a large hole, about 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide and 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall. A fire started, but firefighters put it out in just 40 minutes. This was amazing because it was the only time a fire at such a high level had been put out successfully.
Amazing Survival Story
One incredible story from the crash is about an Elevator operator named Betty Lou Oliver. She survived falling 75 floors inside an elevator! This amazing survival is even listed in the Guinness World Records for the longest fall ever survived in an elevator. The Empire State Building was able to reopen for business just two days later, on the Monday after the crash.
Images for kids
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The plane embedded in the side of the building
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Workmen clearing the wreckage
See also
In Spanish: Choque del B-25 contra el Empire State Building para niños
