Manhattan, New York, USA (New York City) (New Amsterdam) (Washington Heights)
July 28, 1945: A U.S. bomber flying through thick fog at about 200 mph crashed into the 79th floor of New York's Empire State Building, killing 14 people
On July 28, 1945, tragedy struck New York City when a United States Army Air Forces B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed into the Empire State Building. The bomber, en route to Newark Airport from Massachusetts, encountered thick fog, severely limiting visibility. At around 9:40 a.m., the aircraft, flying at about 200 mph, struck the north side of the Empire State Building between the 78th and 80th floors, hitting with such force that parts of the plane went through the building and landed on the roof of a nearby building.
The impact caused a massive fire, spreading flames and smoke through the building and down to the 75th floor. Despite the efforts of emergency services, including firefighters, police, and medical personnel, 14 people lost their lives, including 11 office workers and the three crew members aboard the plane.
July 28, 1945
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