1904day.year
Two Ms ~7.1 earthquakes, among the largest in Europe, strike Bulgaria, killing over 200 people and causing destruction.
In 1904, two powerful magnitude ~7.1 earthquakes hit Bulgaria, killing over 200 and devastating communities in the region.
On April 4, 1904, Bulgaria was struck by two consecutive earthquakes estimated at magnitude 7.1, ranking among the strongest recorded in European history. The tremors leveled villages in the Shumen and Varna regions, destroying homes, churches, and key infrastructure. More than 200 people lost their lives, and thousands were injured or rendered homeless. Rescue and relief efforts were challenged by damaged roads and limited resources in the early 20th century. Both domestic aid and international assistance were mobilized to rebuild the affected areas. These quakes spurred improvements in seismic monitoring and building practices, shaping Bulgarian earthquake preparedness for decades to come.
1904
~7.1 earthquakes
1905day.year
In India, an earthquake hits the Kangra Valley, killing 20,000, and destroying most buildings in Kangra, McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala.
A powerful earthquake struck the Kangra Valley in India, killing an estimated 20,000 people and destroying most buildings in Kangra, McLeod Ganj, and Dharamshala.
On April 4, 1905, the Himalayan foothills were rocked by one of India's deadliest earthquakes with an estimated magnitude of 7.8. Entire towns were reduced to rubble as traditional masonry structures collapsed. The hill stations of Kangra, McLeod Ganj, and Dharamshala were almost completely destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. British authorities faced immense challenges providing relief due to rugged terrain and damaged infrastructure. The disaster spurred improvements in seismic monitoring and building practices in the Indian subcontinent.
1905
an earthquake
Kangra Valley
Kangra
McLeod Ganj
Dharamshala
1933day.year
U.S. Navy airship USS Akron is wrecked off the New Jersey coast due to severe weather.
The U.S. Navy airship USS Akron was wrecked in a storm off the New Jersey coast, resulting in one of the deadliest airship disasters in U.S. history.
On April 4, 1933, the U.S. Navy airship USS Akron encountered a sudden storm off the coast of New Jersey and was torn apart in midair. Of the 76 officers and crew on board, only a handful survived the freezing Atlantic waters. The disaster highlighted the dangers of lighter-than-air naval operations. Investigations spurred changes in airship design and safety procedures. The loss of the Akron remains one of the worst airship accidents in history.
1933
U.S. Navy
airship
USS Akron
New Jersey
1975day.year
Vietnam War: A United States Air Force Lockheed C-5A Galaxy transporting orphans, crashes near Saigon, South Vietnam shortly after takeoff, killing 172 people.
A US Air Force C-5A Galaxy carrying Vietnamese orphans crashes near Saigon shortly after takeoff, resulting in 172 fatalities.
During the final days of the Vietnam War on April 4, 1975, a Lockheed C-5A Galaxy transporting orphaned Vietnamese children crashed after departing Tan Son Nhat Airport near Saigon. The tragic accident claimed the lives of 172 passengers and crew, including many of the orphans being evacuated. The C-5A was part of a humanitarian effort to rescue children caught in the conflict's turmoil. Initial investigations pointed to mechanical failure exacerbated by the aircraft's heavy load. The crash underscored the risks involved in large-scale evacuation missions during wartime. Families and communities around the world mourned the loss of the young lives intended for safety and a new beginning.
Vietnam War
Lockheed C-5A Galaxy
transporting orphans
crashes
Saigon
South Vietnam
1977day.year
Southern Airways Flight 242 crashes in New Hope, Paulding County, Georgia, killing 72.
Southern Airways Flight 242 crashes in Georgia during a hailstorm, killing 72 passengers and crew.
On April 4, 1977, Southern Airways Flight 242 encountered severe hail and rain while en route from Huntsville to Atlanta. The DC-9's engines ingested hail, leading to dual engine failure and forcing an emergency landing on a rural highway near New Hope, Paulding County, Georgia. The aircraft skidded into a gas station and a restaurant, resulting in 72 fatalities among passengers and crew. The accident investigation highlighted the dangers of flying through severe weather and prompted improvements in meteorological awareness for pilots. Survivors recounted the terrifying moments before impact and the bravery of rescue crews. The crash remains one of the deadliest weather-related aviation accidents in US history.
1977
Southern Airways Flight 242
New Hope, Paulding County, Georgia
1987day.year
Garuda Indonesia Flight 032 crashes at Medan Airport, killing 23.
Garuda Indonesia Flight 032 overruns the runway and crashes at Medan Airport, killing 23.
Garuda Indonesia Flight 032, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, crashed on landing at Polonia Airport (now Medan Airport) on April 4, 1987. The aircraft encountered hydraulic system failure, leading to loss of braking control and an inability to slow down on the runway. It overshot the runway, collided with a bridge and broke apart, resulting in 23 fatalities among passengers and crew. The accident investigation pointed to maintenance shortcomings and the need for improved emergency procedures. Survivors described a sudden jolt followed by rapid evacuation efforts. The crash prompted Indonesian airlines to enhance pilot training and aircraft inspection protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
1987
Garuda Indonesia Flight 032
Medan Airport
1991day.year
Senator John Heinz of Pennsylvania and six others are killed when a helicopter collides with their airplane over an elementary school in Merion, Pennsylvania.
U.S. Senator John Heinz and six others perish when a helicopter collides with a corporate jet over a school in Merion, Pennsylvania. The tragic accident prompts nationwide calls for enhanced aviation safety.
On April 4, 1991, U.S. Senator John Heinz, his family members, and corporate pilots were aboard a twin-engine helicopter escorting a business jet to Philadelphia.
The two aircraft collided midair above Merion Elementary School, scattering debris onto the playground below.
All seven people on board the aircraft were killed instantly, while no students on the ground were harmed.
The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the collision, highlighting lapses in flight coordination.
The disaster led to increased scrutiny of VIP flight protocols and accelerated deployment of collision-avoidance systems.
The loss of Senator Heinz, a respected legislator and businessman, deeply affected his community and the nation.
1991
John Heinz
Pennsylvania
collides with their airplane
Merion, Pennsylvania
1994day.year
Three people are killed when KLM Cityhopper Flight 433 crashes at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
KLM Cityhopper Flight 433 crashes during approach to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in poor weather, killing three onboard. The accident triggers safety reviews for regional carriers.
On April 4, 1994, KLM Cityhopper Flight 433, operated by a Fokker 50 aircraft, was on its final approach to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol under challenging weather conditions.
The crew experienced landing gear difficulties and attempted multiple go-arounds before losing control.
The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway and disintegrated upon impact.
Three of the 45 people on board lost their lives, with several others sustaining serious injuries.
Dutch aviation authorities' investigation cited procedural lapses and mechanical failures as contributing factors.
Findings led to revised training protocols and improved emergency procedures for regional airlines.
The crash remains a significant case study in aviation safety and accident prevention.
1994
KLM Cityhopper Flight 433
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
2010day.year
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hits south of the Mexico-USA border, killing at least two and damaging buildings across the two countries.
A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes near the Mexico–United States border, causing fatalities and widespread damage. Communities on both sides rally in relief efforts.
On April 4, 2010, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Baja California, near the Mexico–United States border.
The epicenter was submerged in the Gulf of California, but strong tremors were felt as far inland as Arizona.
At least two people lost their lives, and dozens were injured as buildings collapsed and infrastructure was damaged.
Tijuana and nearby Mexican cities experienced significant cracks in roads, bridges, and residential structures.
Emergency services from both countries launched coordinated search and rescue operations within hours.
Engineers and seismologists conducted rapid assessments, prompting reviews of building codes in the quake-prone region.
Humanitarian organizations provided temporary shelters, medical care, and supplies to affected families.
2010
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake
Mexico-USA border
2011day.year
Georgian Airways Flight 834 crashes at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa, killing 32.
Georgian Airways Flight 834 crashes on takeoff from Kinshasa's N'djili Airport, resulting in 32 fatalities. The disaster raises urgent questions about aviation safety in the region.
On April 4, 2011, Georgian Airways Flight 834, a Bombardier CRJ-100LR, attempted to depart N'djili Airport in Kinshasa under heavy rains.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced engine failure and veered off the runway, crashing into nearby vegetation.
Debris burst into flames on impact, severely hampering rescue efforts in the storm-soaked terrain.
Of the 39 people on board, 32 were killed, and several survivors suffered critical injuries.
Investigators cited aircraft maintenance deficiencies, poor runway conditions, and overcrowding as contributing factors.
In the aftermath, the Democratic Republic of Congo imposed stricter inspections on foreign carriers operating from Kinshasa.
The tragedy highlighted ongoing challenges in ensuring safe air travel in parts of Africa.
2011
Georgian Airways Flight 834
N'djili Airport
Kinshasa
2013day.year
74 people are killed in a building collapse in Thane, India.
On April 4, 2013, a six-storey building under construction in Thane, India, collapsed, killing 74 people and injuring dozens.
On April 4, 2013, a six-storey building under construction in the Diamond area of Thane, near Mumbai, collapsed unexpectedly.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire services rushed to clear the rubble and save survivors.
Workers were trapped under debris of concrete slabs and steel reinforcements, complicating rescue efforts.
In total, seventy-four laborers lost their lives and many more were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Investigations pointed to structural flaws and violations of safety regulations at the construction site.
The tragedy prompted nationwide calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and improved oversight of rapid urban development.
2013
building collapse
Thane