The Essendon plane crash that turned grief into a public event

By Damien Murphy
Updated February 22 2017 - 6:08am, first published February 21 2017 - 5:50pm
Essendon 1978: Sam Gulle is supported by friends as the body of his 4-week-old son is lowered into the grave. Photo: Bruce Postle
Essendon 1978: Sam Gulle is supported by friends as the body of his 4-week-old son is lowered into the grave. Photo: Bruce Postle
The aircraft dropped onto tram power lines and crashed into the gable of the Gulles' house at 55 Matthews Avenue [on right].  Photo: John Krutop
The aircraft dropped onto tram power lines and crashed into the gable of the Gulles' house at 55 Matthews Avenue [on right]. Photo: John Krutop
The plane wreckage wedged against the home of Giuseppe and Angela Corrso. Mrs Corrso suffered slight burns while their two children escaped injury.  Photo: John Krutop
The plane wreckage wedged against the home of Giuseppe and Angela Corrso. Mrs Corrso suffered slight burns while their two children escaped injury. Photo: John Krutop

Essendon, July 10, 1978: Catastrophe and comfort, the warmth of the burning plane and the blazing house somehow made a haunting contrast that cold winter's evening.

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