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Hindenburg Hero: Chief Steward's Daring Rescue Amid Fire
19 Sep
Summary
- Chief steward Heinrich Kubis guided passengers to safety during the Hindenburg disaster.
- He encouraged people to escape through windows before exiting himself.
- Kubis, considered the first flight attendant, survived the inferno unharmed.
Chief steward Heinrich Kubis exemplified courage during the Hindenburg disaster on May 6, 1937. As the luxury airship erupted in flames while approaching Lakehurst, New Jersey, Kubis was in the dining room. He heroically encouraged passengers to evacuate through windows before making his own escape.
Born in 1888, Kubis had a distinguished career in luxury hotels before transitioning to aviation with DELAG in 1912. He is credited as the world's first flight attendant, serving on various Zeppelin airships before becoming chief steward of the Hindenburg.
The Hindenburg, a symbol of transatlantic travel speed, tragically caught fire and was consumed within 34 seconds. Despite the inferno, 62 individuals survived, including Kubis, who reportedly sustained no injuries.
Kubis later provided testimony at a U.S. disaster inquiry before returning to Germany, where he lived until his death in the 1970s.
