HT6. The Bomb the Ocean Tried to Bury — And Humanity Just Dragged Back – lighttopix

The bomber carried four hydrogen bombs.

As part of its mission, the aircraft needed to refuel mid-air. A KC-135 tanker approached, and the two aircraft began the delicate process of aerial refueling—a maneuver requiring precision, timing, and perfect coordination.

But something went terribly wrong.

At approximately 31,000 feet above the Mediterranean coast near the small fishing village of Palomares, the two aircraft collided.

The explosion was immediate and catastrophic.