Vesna Vulović was a flight attendant for Yugoslav Airlines whose story became world-famous due to her incredible survival after a plane crash in 1972. She was born on January 3, 1950, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), and worked as a flight attendant for the airline when the extraordinary accident occurred.
The Plane Crash: On January 26, 1972, Vesna Vulović was aboard a Yugoslav Airlines flight traveling between Stockholm (Sweden) and Belgrade (Yugoslavia). The plane, a DC-9, was the target of a terrorist attack: a bomb exploded on board while the plane was flying at an altitude of about 10,160 meters (33,000 feet), causing the aircraft to disintegrate mid-air. The explosion was carried out by a Czech separatist group, who planted the bomb in an attempt to destroy the plane.
Vulović was in the rear compartment of the plane, the area most affected by the explosion. The plane disintegrated into thousands of pieces, but astonishingly, she fell from such a high altitude and survived. Vesna lost consciousness after the explosion and was found several hours later by a farmer in a forest near the crash site, among the wreckage of the crash.
The Recovery: Despite the severity of her injuries — including fractures to her legs, pelvis, and spine, along with other severe wounds — Vesna Vulović was rushed to the hospital. The doctors did not expect her to survive, but, against all odds, she began a long recovery process. She spent several months in the hospital and underwent intensive surgery and rehabilitation. Her spine was fractured in such a way that she was partially paralyzed for a period, but eventually, she regained the use of her legs, although with permanent physical limitations.
Possible Causes of Her Survival: Vesna Vulović's case remains a mystery, but several factors might have contributed to her miraculous survival. Some experts believe that her location in the rear of the plane, which was not completely destroyed by the explosion, may have played a crucial role. Additionally, the fact that she was not ejected from the aircraft during the fall (possibly due to being strapped in by her seatbelt and the specific conditions of the crash) may have helped. The fall may have been partially cushioned by the rough terrain and trees, which reduced the impact.
Recognition: Vesna Vulović spent much time recovering, and despite her physical challenges, her survival story gained worldwide attention. In 1985, the Guinness World Records officially recognized her as the person who survived the highest fall (10,160 meters). Over time, Vesna became a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity.
After the crash, Vulović left her career as a flight attendant and lived a private life, though her story remained well-known. In later interviews, she expressed gratitude for the chance to continue living despite the difficulties she faced.
Vesna Vulović passed away on December 23, 2016, at the age of 66, but her survival story continues to be an extraordinary example of what can sometimes happen in extreme circumstances.
