11 December: Today in History
Thai Airways Flight 261 crashes near Surat Thani Airport
On December 11, 1998, a tragic aviation disaster occurred when Thai Airways Flight 261 crashed near Surat Thani Airport in Thailand. The flight, en route from Bangkok, faced adverse weather conditions and attempted to land in heavy rain and poor visibility. On its third landing attempt, the aircraft tragically crashed, resulting in the loss of 101 lives. This heartbreaking incident marked one of the deadliest in Thai aviation history and led to increased scrutiny and improvements in aviation safety standards in the region. The crash of Flight 261 remains a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols in the aviation industry.
The Lufthansa heist
Today seems to be a troubling day for the history of flights. In 1978, the infamous Lufthansa heist, one of the largest cash thefts in American history, was masterminded by Jimmy Burke, an associate of the Lucchese crime family. The heist took place at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where the group successfully stole an estimated $5 million in cash and nearly $1 million in jewelry. The meticulously planned operation involved a group of mobsters and associates who exploited security weaknesses to access the vaults. Despite the scale of the heist, most of the stolen money was never recovered, and the crime led to a series of murders and disappearances of those involved, as Burke sought to eliminate potential witnesses. The Lufthansa heist remains a legendary event in the annals of organized crime and has inspired numerous books and films, including the classic movie “Goodfellas.”
Have you heard about the story of BBC’s Forbidden Broadcast that shocked the nation?
Failed Rocket Attack on UN During Che Guevara’s Speech
On December 11, 1964, a startling attack occurred at the UN General Assembly in New York City during a speech by Che Guevara, the Argentine Marxist revolutionary. An anonymous assailant fired a rocket launcher at the building in an audacious attempt to disrupt the proceedings. Miraculously, the rocket missed its intended target, instead plunging into the river 200 yards away from the UN building. This shocking incident, which fortunately resulted in no casualties, highlighted the intense political tensions of the era and the extreme measures some individuals were willing to take. The failed attack on the UN General Assembly remains a significant moment in the history of international relations and security.
Suggestions of the Day:
Lake Lady New Episode
The 3rd episode of the weekly Horror Story “The Lake Lady” is out. Kickstart your week with some spooks around the fireplace, and get your daily dose of our horror fiction stories by the Creepywriter.
In today’s episode: Why did the Lake Lady protect Lorie’s life, and what was the promise she made to save her from the gang?
Watch: Silent Night, Bloody Night
An early slasher film where a man inherits a mansion that was once an insane asylum.
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