On This Day in Tech History

The Hindenburg disaster occurred on May 6, 1937, when the German airship Hindenburg caught fire and was destroyed during its attempt to dock at the Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey. 36 people died, including 13 passengers and 22 crew members on board, and one ground crew member. The cause of the fire is believed to have been a combination of factors, including a spark from static electricity, a leaking gas valve, and the flammable coating on the airship's exterior. The disaster marked the end of the era of airship travel and had a significant impact on the public's perception of air travel.