1749day.year
The Teatro Filarmonico in Verona is destroyed by fire, as a result of a torch being left behind in the box of a nobleman after a performance. It is rebuilt in 1754.
On January 21, 1749, a torch left in a nobleman’s box ignites the Teatro Filarmonico in Verona, reducing the famed opera house to ashes; it is rebuilt five years later.
After a performance at Verona's prestigious Teatro Filarmonico, a forgotten torch sparked a devastating blaze.
The fire consumed the entire auditorium and stage, destroying the building's ornate interiors.
Despite efforts to contain the flames, the historic theater was left in ruins.
The loss disrupted Verona's vibrant opera culture, forcing performances to relocate.
In 1754, the Teatro Filarmonico was meticulously reconstructed, restoring its Baroque grandeur.
The incident remains a cautionary tale about safety in performance venues.
1749
Teatro Filarmonico
1854day.year
The RMS Tayleur sinks off Lambay Island on her maiden voyage from Liverpool to Australia with great loss of life.
On January 21, 1854, the iron clipper ship RMS Tayleur sinks off Lambay Island during its maiden voyage from Liverpool to Australia, resulting in heavy casualties.
Designed by William Patterson, the RMS Tayleur was one of the largest iron-hulled ships of its time.
Launched on its maiden voyage, the vessel encountered navigational errors and stormy seas near Ireland.
It struck Lambay Island, causing a rapid breach in its hull and eventual sinking.
Of the over 650 people aboard, hundreds perished in the freezing waters.
The disaster prompted changes in maritime safety regulations and ship design.
The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the perils of early iron ship travel.
1854
RMS Tayleur
Lambay Island
1951day.year
The catastrophic eruption of Mount Lamington in Papua New Guinea claims 2,942 lives.
The deadly eruption of Mount Lamington in Papua New Guinea in 1951 claimed nearly 3,000 lives and devastated nearby villages.
On January 21, 1951, Mount Lamington in Papua New Guinea erupted catastrophically without warning.
A massive pyroclastic flow buried surrounding villages in the Oro Province under ash and debris.
The disaster resulted in approximately 2,942 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest volcanic events in the region.
Rescue operations were hindered by the remote location and continued volcanic activity.
Volcanologists later studied Mount Lamington to improve eruption prediction methods for tropical volcanoes.
The tragedy remains a powerful reminder of the region's volcanic hazards.
1951
eruption of Mount Lamington
1960day.year
Avianca Flight 671 crashes at Montego Bay, Jamaica airport, killing 37 people.
Avianca Flight 671 crashed at Montego Bay airport in 1960, killing 37 people in one of Jamaica's worst aviation accidents.
On January 21, 1960, Avianca Flight 671, a Douglas DC-4, crashed during its approach to Montego Bay airport in Jamaica.
The aircraft encountered challenging weather and skidded off the runway upon landing.
The accident resulted in 37 fatalities among passengers and crew members.
Investigations cited pilot error and adverse runway conditions as primary causes.
The tragedy led to a review of airport safety measures and approach procedures.
Avianca subsequently updated its training programs and operational guidelines to enhance flight safety.
Avianca Flight 671
Montego Bay
1960day.year
A coal mine collapses at Holly Country, South Africa, killing 435 miners.
A massive coal mine collapse in South Africa in 1960 at Holly Country claimed 435 miners, marking one of the country's deadliest mining disasters.
On January 21, 1960, a coal mine in the Holly Country region of South Africa suffered a catastrophic collapse.
The disaster trapped and killed 435 miners, making it one of the most lethal mining accidents in the nation's history.
Rescue teams faced unstable tunnel conditions and extensive debris during recovery efforts.
Subsequent investigations pointed to insufficient safety protocols and structural failures in the mine.
The incident prompted calls for stricter mining regulations and improved worker protections.
Memorials have been erected to honor the lives lost in this tragic event.
A coal mine collapses
Holly Country
1968day.year
A B-52 bomber crashes near Thule Air Base, contaminating the area after its nuclear payload ruptures. One of the four bombs remains unaccounted for after the cleanup operation is complete.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying hydrogen bombs crashes on the ice near Thule Air Base in Greenland, rupturing its payload and scattering radioactive material. One of the four bombs was never recovered after an extensive cleanup operation.
On January 21, 1968, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying four hydrogen bombs suffered structural failure and crashed on the ice near Thule Air Base in Greenland. The force of the impact ruptured the bomb casings, spreading plutonium and other radioactive materials across the crash site. The U.S. military launched Operation Crested Ice, a massive cleanup effort involving Danish and American teams to remove contaminated ice and debris. Despite recovering most of the wreckage, one hydrogen bomb remained unaccounted for, prompting years of underwater searches. The incident raised international concern over the safety of airborne nuclear deterrent patrols. It also led to changes in U.S. Air Force protocols and heightened environmental monitoring in the Arctic. The Thule crash remains one of only a handful of Broken Arrow incidents defined by accidental nuclear weapon mishaps.
B-52
crashes
Thule Air Base
1980day.year
Iran Air Flight 291 crashes in the Alborz Mountains while on approach to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Iran, killing 128 people.
Iran Air Flight 291 crashes into the Alborz Mountains near Tehran during poor weather, resulting in 128 fatalities.
On January 21, 1980, Iran Air Flight 291, a Boeing 727, crashed during its approach to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran amid heavy fog and low clouds. The aircraft descended below safe altitude and impacted the rugged slopes of the Alborz Mountains, killing all 128 passengers and crew aboard. Iranian aviation authorities launched a thorough investigation into the navigational aids and pilot decision-making processes. The crash underscored the dangers of controlled flight into terrain in mountainous regions and limited visibility. In response, Iran Air and global aviation regulators enhanced approach procedures and invested in more advanced ground-based navigation systems. Safety protocols for operating in severe weather conditions were also revised. The tragedy remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Iran’s history and a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to flight minima.
1980
Iran Air Flight 291
Alborz Mountains
Mehrabad International Airport
Tehran
1985day.year
Galaxy Airlines Flight 203 crashes near Reno–Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada, killing 70 people.
Galaxy Airlines Flight 203 catches fire after takeoff from Reno–Tahoe International Airport and crashes two miles from the runway, killing 70 of 71 on board.
On January 21, 1985, a Galaxy Airlines Lockheed L-188 Electra operating Flight 203 departed Reno–Tahoe International Airport when an exhaust gas temperature probe ignited nearby hydraulic fluid, starting an uncontrollable fire. The flight crew attempted an emergency return, but the blaze compromised critical control systems. The aircraft crashed about two miles from the runway, resulting in 70 fatalities and one survivor. Accident investigators pinpointed maintenance shortcomings and outdated fire detection equipment as key factors. The disaster prompted stricter regulatory oversight of aging aircraft and more rigorous inspection protocols. Galaxy Airlines temporarily suspended operations, and aviation authorities introduced enhanced requirements for fire suppression systems on turboprop and older jet airplanes. Memorials erected near the crash site honor those who perished and serve as a somber reminder of the tragedy.
1985
Galaxy Airlines Flight 203
Reno–Tahoe International Airport
Reno, Nevada
2003day.year
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes the Mexican state of Colima, killing 29 and leaving approximately 10,000 people homeless.
On January 21, 2003, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico's Colima state, causing significant casualties and displacing thousands.
The powerful tremor, centered off the Pacific coast of Colima, registered magnitude 7.6 and generated widespread destruction. Over 29 people lost their lives, and dozens more were injured as buildings collapsed and essential infrastructure was damaged. The quake left approximately 10,000 residents homeless, forcing many to seek temporary shelter in makeshift camps. Rescue and relief efforts mobilized federal and local agencies, who faced challenges from aftershocks and damaged roads. The disaster prompted a nationwide review of seismic safety standards and building codes. International aid organizations also contributed support and supplies to the hardest-hit areas. Communities gradually rebuilt over the following months, but the event remained a stark reminder of Mexico's seismic risks.
2003
earthquake
Colima
2025day.year
A fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu Province, Turkey, results in 78 people dead and 51 injured.
On January 21, 2025, a devastating fire swept through the Grand Kartal Hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort in Turkey's Bolu Province, killing 78 people and injuring 51.
The blaze broke out in the early hours and spread rapidly through multiple floors of the luxury hotel. Guests and staff were awakened by smoke alarms as flames engulfed corridors and stairwells, hindering evacuation efforts. Emergency services from surrounding towns arrived under heavy winter conditions, battling icy roads and freezing temperatures. Despite coordinated rescue operations, many victims were trapped by blocked exits or succumbed to smoke inhalation. Investigators later identified potential lapses in fire safety protocols and equipment maintenance. The Turkish government declared a period of national mourning and vowed to strengthen building inspections. International teams offered expertise and humanitarian aid to assist survivors and families of the deceased.
2025
fire
Kartalkaya
Bolu Province