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From wreck to trace

Exhibition panel "Confronted with terrorism, a citizen's memory: From wreck to trace"
© Benoît Pailley
Exhibition panel "Confronted with terrorism, a citizen's memory: From wreck to trace"
Transcription and translation of the exhibit panel

Date: 19 September 1989

Event: Bomb attack on the DC-10 operated by the French airline Union de transports aériens (UTA)

Location: Ténéré Desert, Niger

This metal seatbelt buckle bearing the ‘UTA’ logo came from the DC-10 that exploded in mid-flight during the attack carried out by the Libyan secret services. It was recovered from the wreckage of the aircraft by the son of one of the victims in the Ténéré Desert in Niger, eighteen years after the crash, so that it might one day be displayed in a memorial.

This safety device was damaged by the explosion, even though it was intended to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Information about the object:

  • Donated by Guillaume Denoix de Saint Marc
  • Dimensions: length 10 cm; width 6.5 cm; thickness 9 cm
  • Photo credit: Benoît Pailley