In 1972, Vesna Vulovic was the only survivor of the JAT Flight 367 crash. An explosion occurred in the luggage hold, causing the plane to break apart mid-air above the Czech Republic. Passengers were sucked out of the aircraft as it broke in half. But flight attendant Vulovic stayed onboard due to being wedged in by a food trolley that fell, trapping her.
Vulovic and the remains of the plane plummeted over 10 thousand meters (33000 feet) to the ground. Trees and snow cushioned her landing. Out of the 28 passengers and crew, Vulovic was the sole survivor. She escaped with her life.
She sustained broken legs, a skull fracture, fractured vertebrae and temporary paralysis due to her injuries. Less than a year after the crash against all odds, she was able to walk again. Luckily, she cannot recollect the accident and does not remember the whole ordeal. Vulovic wanted to continue with her career as a flight attendant after the accident, but the airline declined due to her health. Instead, the airline gave her a job sitting at the safety of a desk. She was extremely lucky!
It is extremely unlikely to survive such an ordeal without life-changing injuries. Luckily broken bones can be mended, and Ms Vulovic did not sustain any life-threatening injuries.
Ms Vulovic holds the Guinness world record for surviving the highest fall without a parachute, let's hope no one will attempt to take this title away from her!
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