Have you ever wondered if there’s an actual lucky man in the world? When you think of the phrase “luckiest man in the world,” one name often comes up, Frane Selak.
Born in Croatia in 1929, Selak became world-famous not for winning the lottery (although he did that too), but for his unbelievable ability to survive a string of near-death experiences. His story is so incredible that it sounds like something out of a movie script.
The Incredible Survival Story of Frane Selak
Frane Selak’s journey through life is a series of accidents that should have ended tragically, yet he walked away from each one.
Frane Selak’s Tragic Experiences and Luck
Here are some of the most famous incidents that earned him the title “the luckiest man in the world.”
- 1962 – A Train Accident: Selak was traveling by train when it derailed into a freezing river. Seventeen passengers died, but Selak managed to swim to safety.
- 1963 – A Plane Crash: Just a year later, Selak was on a flight when the plane’s door blew off. He was sucked out mid-air—only to land in a haystack, surviving with minor injuries.
- 1970s–1990s – Car Explosions & Accidents: Over the years, Selak survived multiple car crashes, one of which involved his car catching fire, while another saw his car plunge off a cliff. In each case, he miraculously survived.
- 2003 – Winning the Lottery: After cheating death seven times, Selak’s luck took a positive turn when he won nearly $1 million in the Croatian lottery. He later gave much of it away, saying money couldn’t buy happiness.
Why Frane Selak Is Known as the World’s Luckiest Man
Frane Selak’s life raises the age-old question: is it luck, fate, or pure resilience? Most people don’t survive one near-death experience, let alone several across decades. His ability to walk away from accidents that claimed many others makes him an extraordinary figure in modern folklore.
While Selak passed away in 2016, his story continues to inspire awe. He serves as a reminder that sometimes life is stranger and luckier than fiction.
After surviving multiple accidents, Selak won a large lottery prize in 2003. He bought two houses and a boat with his lottery winnings.
In 2010, he decided to give away much of his remaining fortune to relatives and friends, choosing to return to a simpler lifestyle.
Conclusion
Frane Selak’s incredible survival stories earned him a spot in history as the luckiest man alive. From train wrecks to plane crashes and even a lottery jackpot, his life remains one of the most fascinating examples of chance and survival.
