35 years ago, four members of the Abu Nidal terrorist group attempted to hijack Pan Am Flight 73 on the ground in Karachi, Pakistan. Targeting Americans, the terrorists shot and killed an Indian-American and threw his body onto the tarmac. They then ordered to head purser on the flight, Neerja Bhanot, to produce the passports of all passengers so they could identify any more Americans on board and kill them as well. Bhanot and other members of the flight crew were able to hide the passports of the 44 Americans on board.
17 hours into the incident, the hijackers began firing guns and setting off explosives, fearing a commando attack on the aircraft. Bhanot was able to open the emergency exits. Rather than jump to safety, the purser stayed aboard and was helping passengers to get out when, while body-shielding three children at the exit, Bhanot was shot point blank by one of the terrorists and was killed.
Boru
17 hours into the incident, the hijackers began firing guns and setting off explosives, fearing a commando attack on the aircraft. Bhanot was able to open the emergency exits. Rather than jump to safety, the purser stayed aboard and was helping passengers to get out when, while body-shielding three children at the exit, Bhanot was shot point blank by one of the terrorists and was killed.
Boru
‘I can’t be having with this.’ - Esmeralda Weatherwax
