1899day.year
Cyclone Mahina sweeps in north of Cooktown, Queensland, with a 12 metres (39 ft) wave that reaches up to 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) inland, killing over 300.
Cyclone Mahina unleashes a 12-meter storm surge on Cooktown, Queensland, on March 4, 1899, killing over 300 people.
Regarded as one of Australia's deadliest cyclones, Mahina strikes the northeastern coast of Queensland with devastating force. Waves exceeding 12 meters surge up to five kilometers inland, obliterating coastal settlements and pearling fleets. Indigenous communities and European settlers alike suffer tremendous loss of life, with fatalities estimated above 300. The extreme storm surge reshapes the shoreline and leaves few structures standing. Rescue efforts are hampered by the remote location and scale of destruction. Cyclone Mahina prompts advancements in weather forecasting and cyclone preparedness in Australia.
1899
Cyclone Mahina
Cooktown
1908day.year
The Collinwood school fire, Collinwood near Cleveland, Ohio, kills 174 people.
A tragic fire at Collinwood school near Cleveland, Ohio, on March 4, 1908, claims 174 lives.
The Collinwood school fire breaks out at the Lakeview School, trapping students and teachers in upper floors. Locked doors and inadequate fire escapes prevent many from escaping the rapidly spreading flames. Local volunteer fire brigades and community members battle the blaze, but rescue efforts cannot reach all victims in time. The disaster shocks the nation and highlights glaring deficiencies in school safety regulations. Public outcry leads to reforms in building codes, including mandatory fire drills and unlocked exit doors. Memorials are erected to honor the children and staff who perished in this heartbreaking event.
1908
Collinwood school fire
Collinwood
Cleveland, Ohio
1960day.year
The French freighter La Coubre explodes in Havana, Cuba, killing 100.
The French freighter La Coubre explodes in Havana’s harbor, causing massive casualties.
On March 4, 1960, the French munitions ship La Coubre detonated in Havana’s harbor, resulting in the deaths of approximately 100 people and injuring many more. Loaded with arms and ammunition, the vessel’s blast devastated nearby infrastructure and engulfed the waterfront in chaos. Occurring amid Cold War tensions, the explosion provoked speculation about sabotage versus accident. In the aftermath, Cuban emergency services and volunteers worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and recover victims. The tragedy became a focal point in Fidel Castro’s revolutionary narrative and remains a poignant chapter in Cuban history.
1960
La Coubre
Havana, Cuba
1962day.year
A Caledonian Airways Douglas DC-7 crashes shortly after takeoff from Cameroon, killing 111 – the worst crash of a DC-7.
A Caledonian Airways Douglas DC-7 crashes after takeoff in Cameroon, marking the deadliest DC-7 accident.
On March 4, 1962, Caledonian Airways Flight 153, a Douglas DC-7, crashed shortly after departing Douala, Cameroon, killing all 111 passengers and crew onboard. The aircraft suffered an unexpected engine failure that led to a catastrophic loss of control and its descent into nearby swampland. As the deadliest DC-7 accident on record, the crash prompted intensive investigations into maintenance practices and engine reliability. Aviation authorities and the airline reviewed safety protocols to prevent similar disasters. The tragedy underscored the challenges of early long-haul air travel in tropical environments and spurred improvements in aircraft inspection standards.
1962
Caledonian Airways
Douglas DC-7
crashes shortly after takeoff
Cameroon
1966day.year
A Canadian Pacific Air Lines DC-8-43 explodes on landing at Tokyo International Airport, killing 64 people.
A Canadian Pacific DC-8-43 explodes upon landing in Tokyo, resulting in significant loss of life.
On March 4, 1966, Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 402, a Douglas DC-8-43, burst into flames upon landing at Tokyo International Airport. The aircraft encountered dense fog and poor visibility, leading to a hard touchdown and runway excursion before breaking apart. Sixty-four of the passengers and crew perished in the ensuing fire, making it one of Japan’s most tragic aviation incidents at the time. Rescue teams battled thick smoke to reach survivors and recover victims. The disaster highlighted the critical need for advanced landing aids, improved pilot training under adverse weather conditions, and enhanced runway safety measures.
1966
Canadian Pacific Air Lines
DC-8-43
explodes on landing
Tokyo International Airport
1970day.year
French submarine Eurydice explodes underwater, resulting in the loss of the entire 57-man crew.
The French submarine Eurydice explodes, sinking with all 57 crew members lost.
On March 4, 1970, the French Navy submarine Eurydice suffered a catastrophic underwater explosion off the coast of Toulon, France. The blast caused the vessel to sink rapidly, resulting in the deaths of all 57 sailors on board. Despite extensive search and rescue operations, no survivors were recovered, and the cause of the explosion remained officially undetermined. The tragedy prompted a thorough review of submarine safety protocols, leading to enhancements in damage control procedures and escape systems. Eurydice’s loss stands as one of the most somber chapters in French naval history and is commemorated annually.
1970
Eurydice
1977day.year
The 1977 Vrancea earthquake in eastern and southern Europe kills more than 1,500, mostly in Bucharest, Romania.
The 1977 Vrancea earthquake struck Romania and neighboring regions, killing over 1,500 people, mostly in Bucharest.
The Vrancea earthquake occurred on March 4, 1977, with an estimated magnitude of 7.2.
It affected eastern and southern Europe, causing widespread damage across Romania.
Bucharest suffered the heaviest toll, with many buildings collapsing and essential services disrupted.
Over 1,500 lives were lost, and thousands more were injured or displaced.
The disaster prompted improvements in building codes and seismic monitoring in the region.
Relief efforts included international aid and reconstruction programs.
1977
1977 Vrancea earthquake
Bucharest, Romania
1996day.year
A derailed train in Weyauwega, Wisconsin (USA) causes the emergency evacuation of 2,300 people for 16 days.
A 1996 train derailment in Weyauwega, Wisconsin forced over 2,300 residents to evacuate for more than two weeks.
On March 4, 1996, a freight train derailed near the town of Weyauwega, Wisconsin.
Several cars carrying hazardous materials were involved, raising safety concerns.
Local authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation of approximately 2,300 residents.
Evacuees were displaced for 16 days while crews assessed and cleared the wreckage.
No fatalities were reported, but property damage and community disruption were significant.
The incident led to strengthened regulations on the transport of dangerous goods.
1996
derailed train in Weyauwega, Wisconsin (USA)
emergency evacuation
2012day.year
A series of explosions is reported at a munitions dump in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, killing at least 250 people.
A chain of powerful explosions at a Brazzaville munitions depot killed at least 250 people and devastated surrounding neighborhoods.
On March 4, 2012, a series of devastating explosions tore through a military munitions dump in Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of the Congo. The blasts leveled homes and shook densely populated districts, sending plumes of smoke high into the sky. Emergency responders raced against time to rescue survivors trapped under debris and to extinguish raging fires. Official counts confirmed at least 250 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, though some estimates suggested higher totals. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of families fleeing with only the clothes on their backs. The disaster prompted calls for improved oversight of military stockpiles and stricter safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
2012
series of explosions
Brazzaville
Republic of the Congo
2015day.year
At least 34 miners die in a suspected gas explosion at the Zasyadko coal mine in the rebel-held Donetsk region of Ukraine.
A suspected methane gas explosion at the Zasyadko coal mine in eastern Ukraine killed at least 34 miners.
On March 4, 2015, a suspected methane gas explosion rocked the Zasyadko coal mine located in the rebel-held Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The underground blast occurred deep within the complex, trapping miners in unstable tunnels and causing extensive damage to mining infrastructure. Rescue teams faced hazardous conditions, including the risk of further explosions and toxic gas exposure, as they worked to reach survivors. Authorities confirmed at least 34 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest mining accidents in the area in recent years. The incident drew attention to safety lapses and the challenges of operating critical industries amid armed conflict. Families and communities called for independent investigations and improved safeguards to protect workers.
2015
die in a suspected gas explosion
Zasyadko coal mine