# Smolensk air disaster (2010)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/2010-smolensk-air-disaster
Location: Smolensk
Categories: main-event

The Polish Air Force Tu-154 carrying President Lech Kaczyński and many state officials crashed near Smolensk on the way to the Katyn commemoration, killing all 96 on board. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (10 April 2010), the governing authority was Bronisław Komorowski (President of Poland). Acting president after the Smolensk crash as Marshal of the Sejm, then elected president in 2010. Smolensk air disaster mattered because it caused great loss of life or destruction and left a deep mark on national memory. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Smolensk air disaster mattered because it caused great loss of life or destruction and left a deep mark on national memory.

Ruler at the time: [Bronisław Komorowski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/bronislaw-komorowski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Smolensk air disaster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smolensk_air_disaster)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Smolensk air disaster](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Smolensk+air+disaster)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))