Worcester, MA – July 18, 1957

Worcester, Massachusetts – July 18, 1957

   

T-33 Trainer Jet U.S. Air Force Photo

T-33 Trainer Jet
U.S. Air Force Photo

     On July 18, 1957, a flight of three National Guard T-33 trainer jets left Grenier Air Force Base in Manchester, New Hampshire, for a routine training flight.   While over the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, one T-33 exploded over a residential neighborhood spewing flaming fuel and debris over a wide area setting six homes on fire.  The main fuselage came down in front of a home on Forest Street.  The home was destroyed by fire.    

     Both crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed.  They were identified as:

     Captain John F. Murphy Jr., 32, of Worcester, Massachusetts.

     1st Lieutenant Lawrence C. Guild, 26, of Quincy, Massachusetts.

     The crash occurred about a half mile from Captain Murphy’s home.

     There were no reported injuries to civilians on the ground.

     Sources:

     The Toldeo Blade, “Pilots Killed As Jet Crash Fires Homes”, July 19, 1957

     Desert Sun, “Resident(s) Escape From Death Called Miracle”, July 19, 1957

     Nashua Telegraph, “6 Sue For Jet Crash Damage In Worcester”, July 16, 1959

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