Tsutomu Yamaguchi witnessed the first atomic bombing while he was on a business trip. Shortly after he returned to his home, he witnessed the second bombing. He is lucky on two counts: surviving the massive explosions and living to tell the monumental tale.

On August 6, 1945, the U.S. marked a tragic milestone in launching the first atomic bomb used against the population of Hiroshima, an act that was repeated three days later, in August 9, in Nagasaki. These two nuclear attacks towards the end of World War II were meant for the Empire of Japan. More than 200,000 people died. But Tsutomu Yamaguchi suffered both bombings and still lived. Today at 93 years old, authorities have recognized him as the sole official survivor of the two disasters.

Yamaguchi was on a business trip in Hiroshima when the U.S. aircraft ‘Enola Gay’ dropped the bomb on this city, about three miles from where he was. He suffered severe burns and spent the night there before returning to his city, Nagasaki, where he experienced another bombing.

The condition of ‘hibakusha’ or surviving atomic radiation allows Japanese citizens to enjoy certain advantages such as free medical examinations and coverage of funeral expenses when they die. Observers note that Yamaguchi should receive bigger compensation for his double jeopardy.

In statements to the press, the old survivor was hopeful that his experience will serve as a lesson in peace.

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Via BBC