1887day.year
The French Riviera is hit by a large earthquake, killing around 2,000.
A powerful earthquake struck the French Riviera on February 23, 1887, killing around 2,000 people. The disaster caused widespread destruction along the Mediterranean coast.
The seismic event, estimated at magnitude 6.5, devastated towns such as Nice, Menton, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Buildings collapsed and landslides swept coastal villages as residents slept. Rescue and medical efforts were hampered by poor winter roads and limited equipment. Local authorities and relief organizations struggled to provide aid to thousands of homeless survivors. The catastrophe prompted reforms in building codes and urban planning across the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. To this day, the 1887 earthquake remains one of France's deadliest natural disasters.
1887
French Riviera
large earthquake
1943day.year
The Cavan Orphanage fire kills thirty-five girls and an elderly cook.
A devastating fire at the Cavan Orphanage claims the lives of thirty-five young girls and a cook, shocking the community.
In the early hours of February 23, 1943, a fire broke out at St. Joseph's Orphanage in Cavan, Ireland.
The blaze spread rapidly through the wooden dormitory, trapping thirty-five girls and an elderly cook inside.
Local residents and emergency personnel rushed to the scene but were unable to save those caught in the flames.
The tragedy prompted national mourning and led to inquiries into fire safety standards in institutional buildings.
Subsequent reforms improved emergency exits and fire prevention measures in Irish facilities.
1943
Cavan Orphanage fire
1945day.year
American Airlines Flight 009 crashes near Rural Retreat, Virginia, killing 17.
American Airlines Flight 009 crashes near Rural Retreat, Virginia, killing all 17 aboard.
On February 23, 1945, Flight 009, a DC-3 operated by American Airlines, crashed near Rural Retreat, Virginia.
The aircraft encountered bad weather at night and went down in a wooded area.
All 17 people on board, including passengers and crew, were killed instantly.
Rescue teams reached the crash site amid icy winter conditions.
The accident prompted investigations into flight safety and navigation in severe weather.
American Airlines Flight 009
Rural Retreat, Virginia
1983day.year
The United States Environmental Protection Agency announces its intent to buy out and evacuate the dioxin-contaminated community of Times Beach, Missouri.
The U.S. EPA announced plans to buy out and evacuate dioxin-contaminated Times Beach, Missouri, in 1983.
On February 23, 1983, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed its intention to purchase all properties in Times Beach, Missouri, due to widespread dioxin contamination. The chemical dioxin, a toxic byproduct of industrial waste, was found at dangerously high levels after the town’s roads were sprayed with contaminated oil for dust control. The decision to relocate the entire community was unprecedented and highlighted growing concerns over environmental health. Residents were offered compensation packages and assistance in finding new homes. Cleanup efforts continued for years, and Times Beach was eventually dissolved as an incorporated town. In 1997, the site became part of Route 66 State Park after extensive remediation. This event marked a milestone in the EPA’s Superfund program and set standards for future environmental disaster responses.
1983
United States Environmental Protection Agency
dioxin
Times Beach, Missouri
1998day.year
In the United States, tornadoes in central Florida destroy or damage 2,600 structures and kill 42 people.
In 1998, a devastating outbreak of tornadoes struck central Florida, destroying or damaging 2,600 structures and claiming 42 lives.
On February 23, 1998, central Florida was hit by a severe tornado outbreak spawned by a powerful storm system. Multiple tornadoes swept through communities, destroying or heavily damaging approximately 2,600 buildings. The violent winds claimed 42 lives and injured many others, leaving families without homes and communities in shock. Emergency responders and volunteers mobilized quickly to rescue survivors and provide shelter to the displaced. The aftermath saw extensive rebuilding efforts and a reevaluation of warning systems to improve preparedness. The event remains one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in Florida's history.
1998
tornadoes in central Florida
1999day.year
An avalanche buries the town of Galtür, Austria, killing 31.
In 1999, a massive avalanche in Austria buried the town of Galtür, resulting in 31 fatalities.
In the early hours of February 23, 1999, a catastrophic avalanche descended on the mountain village of Galtür in the Tyrolean Alps. The mass of snow obliterated homes and infrastructure, trapping residents and visitors under layers of ice. Rescue teams from Austria and neighboring countries rushed to dig through deep drifts, but challenging conditions hindered operations. Ultimately, 31 people lost their lives, and dozens more were injured. The disaster prompted a reevaluation of avalanche risk assessment and spurred the implementation of new protective measures, including enhanced monitoring systems and controlled detonations to reduce snow accumulation. A memorial now stands to honor those who perished.
avalanche
buries the town
Galtür
2007day.year
A train derails on an evening express service near Grayrigg, Cumbria, England, killing one person and injuring 88. This results in hundreds of points being checked over the UK after a few similar accidents.
In 2007, an evening express train derailed near Grayrigg, Cumbria, killing one person and injuring 88 passengers.
On February 23, 2007, the 18:10 evening express from London to Glasgow derailed near the village of Grayrigg in Cumbria, England. Faulty points on the rail line caused several carriages to leave the tracks at speed. The accident resulted in one fatality and 88 injuries, ranging from minor cuts to serious trauma. A major safety investigation followed, leading to the inspection and replacement of thousands of track components across the UK network. Rail operators and regulators reviewed maintenance procedures and introduced stricter standards for monitoring infrastructure. The incident underscored the importance of track integrity and prompted changes to reduce the risk of similar derailments.
2007
train derails
Grayrigg
Cumbria
2008day.year
A United States Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber crashes on Guam, marking the first operational loss of a B-2.
In 2008, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber crashed on Guam, marking the first operational loss of the type.
On February 23, 2008, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The aircraft suffered an engine stall and entered a spin from which the crew could not recover. Both pilots ejected safely, but the incident resulted in the first-ever operational loss of a B-2, valued at over $1.4 billion. The crash prompted an in-depth investigation into maintenance practices and engine performance. Findings led to changes in inspection protocols and flight safety procedures within the stealth bomber fleet. The loss highlighted the complexity and cost of maintaining advanced military technology.
2008
United States Air Force
B-2 Spirit
crashes on Guam
2019day.year
Atlas Air Flight 3591, a Boeing 767 freighter, crashes into Trinity Bay near Anahuac, Texas, killing all three people on board.
In 2019, Atlas Air Flight 3591, a Boeing 767 freighter, crashed into Trinity Bay near Anahuac, Texas, killing all three crew members.
On February 23, 2019, Atlas Air Flight 3591, carrying cargo bound for Miami, crashed into Trinity Bay shortly after departing Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The Boeing 767 experienced a sudden loss of control during its descent, plummeting into the water at high speed. All three personnel on board—a captain, first officer, and crew member—were killed. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board examined flight data recorders and cockpit voice recordings to determine the cause. The probe highlighted issues related to pilot situational awareness and automation protocols. The tragedy prompted airlines to review training programs for freight operations and approach procedures.
2019
Atlas Air Flight 3591
Boeing 767
Trinity Bay
Anahuac, Texas