30 Photos from the Time a Bomber Crashed Into the Empire State Building

Daniel Bonfiglio Published 10/07/2024 in wow

When you think of New York City and disasters involving planes and skyscrapers, only one day comes to mind. But while we will never forget the unthinkable events of September 11th, that fateful day was shockingly not the first time a plane hit the city's tallest building.

56 years earlier, on Saturday, July 28th of 1945, a B-25 United States Army Air Force Mitchell bomber got lost in thick fog over Manhattan and crashed into the north side of the Empire State Building's 79th floor.

Fourteen people were killed, all three airmen and 11 civilians across the War Relief Services and National Catholic Welfare Council offices housed there. One of the plane's engines went through the building, and fell 900 feet into a building one block downtown, while the other severed elevator cables. Elevator operator Betty Oliver survived a 75-story elevator fall, the highest ever.

The New York Fire Department extinguished the Empire State Building's fire in 40 minutes, still the highest fire they've ever put out. The building was re-opened for business after rapid repairs the following Monday, less than 48 hours later.

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1.
In 1945, a B-25 bomber got lost in the fog and crashed into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building. 14 people died in the accident.
2.
Taken from an observation deck above.
3.
The Empire State Building ablaze after the B-25 bomber crashed into it in thick fog.
4.
One of the engines flew through the building and ended up falling 900 feet, through the roof of a penthouse on 33rd St, causing a fire. These flames are actually from that fire.
5.
The view through the hole in that penthouse, owned by sculptor Henry Hering.
6.
Repair workers fixing the damage to the north side of the Empire State building after the crash.
7.
8.
An elevator operator named Betty Oliver was thrown from her elevator in the crash. She was then placed onto a different elevator by emergency services. However, that elevator’s cord had been damaged, and plunged 75 stories. She suffered severe burns, and a broken pelvis, back and neck. It remains the world record for the longest survived elevator fall.
9.
A wheel of the Army B-25 bomber which crashed into the upper part of the Empire State building, lodged in the elevator shaft.
10.
11.
Firemen search through the charred ruins.
12.
Workmen clearing the wreckage.
13.
The damage to the facade of the building.
14.
15.
A part of the bomber hangs off the side of the building.
16.
Workmen begin repairs.
17.
18.
The Empire State Building was reopened for business the following Monday.
19.
20.
34th street littered with debris, after the accident.
21.
22.
A man standing with one of the bomber’s motors.
23.
Pieces of the crashed plane are cut up for removal.
24.
25.
Workmen load pieces from the crashed plane onto a truck.
26.
27.
Don Malony (L), a Coast Guardsman, carries a first aid kit as he helps an injured woman down the stairs.
28.
Theresa Scarpelli was on the 79th floor when the bomber hit.
29.
A B-25 bomber for reference.

1.
In 1945, a B-25 bomber got lost in the fog and crashed into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building. 14 people died in the accident.
2.
Taken from an observation deck above.
3.
The Empire State Building ablaze after the B-25 bomber crashed into it in thick fog.
4.
One of the engines flew through the building and ended up falling 900 feet, through the roof of a penthouse on 33rd St, causing a fire. These flames are actually from that fire.
5.
The view through the hole in that penthouse, owned by sculptor Henry Hering.
6.
Repair workers fixing the damage to the north side of the Empire State building after the crash.
7.
8.
An elevator operator named Betty Oliver was thrown from her elevator in the crash. She was then placed onto a different elevator by emergency services. However, that elevator’s cord had been damaged, and plunged 75 stories. She suffered severe burns, and a broken pelvis, back and neck. It remains the world record for the longest survived elevator fall.
9.
A wheel of the Army B-25 bomber which crashed into the upper part of the Empire State building, lodged in the elevator shaft.
10.
11.
Firemen search through the charred ruins.
12.
Workmen clearing the wreckage.
13.
The damage to the facade of the building.
14.
15.
A part of the bomber hangs off the side of the building.
16.
Workmen begin repairs.
17.
18.
The Empire State Building was reopened for business the following Monday.
19.
20.
34th street littered with debris, after the accident.
21.
22.
A man standing with one of the bomber’s motors.
23.
Pieces of the crashed plane are cut up for removal.
24.
25.
Workmen load pieces from the crashed plane onto a truck.
26.
27.
Don Malony (L), a Coast Guardsman, carries a first aid kit as he helps an injured woman down the stairs.
28.
Theresa Scarpelli was on the 79th floor when the bomber hit.
29.
A B-25 bomber for reference.