March 06

On March 6, 1970, an explosion tore through a townhouse in Greenwich Village used as a safe house by the Weather Underground. The blast killed three group members—Terry Robbins, Diana Oughton, and Theodore Gold—who were assembling bombs intended for government targets. The incident forced the organization underground and halted planned actions. Investigators later discovered evidence linking the group to a wave of domestic bombings. The tragedy exposed the dangers of militant activism and shifted public opinion against violent protest tactics.

The roll-on/roll-off ferry Herald of Free Enterprise departed Zeebrugge port with its bow doors left open. Within 90 seconds, water flooded the car deck, causing the vessel to list and sink. Despite distress calls, the rapid capsizing left few survivors and hundreds trapped inside. The tragedy exposed serious safety lapses in ship design and operating procedures. A public inquiry revealed negligence by the crew and company management. Recommendations from the inquiry led to sweeping changes in ferry safety regulations worldwide. Memorials in Belgium and the UK honor those who lost their lives.

Flight 6289 lost control shortly after leaving Aguenar – Hadj Bey Akhamok Airport in Tamanrasset, Algeria. Investigators found pilot error and inadequate runway safety measures contributed to the disaster. Eyewitnesses reported fire and smoke as the ATR 72 aircraft skidded off the runway. Rescue efforts were hampered by remote desert conditions and limited firefighting resources. The tragedy prompted a review of flight crew training and airport infrastructure in Algeria. International aviation bodies issued new guidelines for emergency response and runway safety. Memorials in Tamanrasset honor the passengers and crew lost in the crash.