On March 27, the Russian State Archive released the first images from the scene of the plane crash that claimed the life of the famous astronaut Yuri Gagarin. The sudden departure of an internationally recognized hero, an idol for Soviet youth, and the first person to travel into space left many in shock at that time.
Astronaut Yuri Gagarin and test pilot Vladimir Seregin lost their lives 55 years ago in a tragic accident. Both were piloting a MiG-15UTI training aircraft on March 27, 1968, during a routine flight when the plane suddenly encountered trouble and crashed in the Vladimir region of Russia.
Gagarin and his co-pilot Seregin died instantly, while the MiG-15UTI was severely damaged.
The news agency RT reported: “On the chilly morning of March 27, 1968, the low gray sky over the Kirzhach area in the Vladimir region of Russia was pierced by the roar of engines. A two-seater fighter jet hurtled through the clouds, struck the treetops, and disintegrated before plunging to the ground at high speed. An explosion followed. A piece of clothing was caught on a birch tree. In the pocket was an unused breakfast voucher bearing the name Gagarin Yu. A.”
Astronaut Yuri Gagarin in the cockpit of a MiG-15. (Photo: rgantd.ru).
Crash site. (Photo: rgantd.ru)
The official cause of the accident has never been disclosed, leading to various theories, ranging from pilot error to a collision with a balloon, or even an encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO).
The images released on March 27 were taken by the Investigative Committee a day after the accident. The photos show debris from the aircraft scattered across the crash site. However, they do not clarify anything further about the death of the world’s first astronaut.
Additionally, a photo of Gagarin’s funeral was also released. He and his co-pilot were cremated the day after their deaths. Their ashes were interred in Red Square following a state funeral.
Funeral of astronaut Yuri Gagarin. (Photo: rgantd.ru).
A memorial at the crash site. (Photo: Sputnik).
